'THE FAMILY CROW': A Murder Mystery
A mysterious murder has rocked the Family Crow! Enter Horatio P. Corvus - Sorter Outer of Murders! Puppets, puns, and plot twists abound in this award-winning international Fringe hit. Starring Adam Francis Proulx (Netflix, CBC, Nickelodeon). “Weird, cuckoo brilliance!” – Liz Nicholls
clever puns, beautiful puppet, great show ...
Superb voice and character work with gorgeous gothic aesthetic and full of all sorts of crow goodness in the world of puns and fun. Adam is the top of his craft. SEE THIS SHOW with your friends, your family, your kiddos, your co-workers.
I completely loved this! It was polished, fun and completely unique! The rhythm of this show was masterful: I was so impressed with how perfectly timed every word, light cue, and movement of the puppet was. Virtuosity on display!
As a lover of (terrible) puns, murder mysteries, and puppet shows, I must admit that I am this show's intended audience. The jokes had me groaning and cackling in equal measure, and (as with any good murder mystery) the twist is rewarding whether you see it coming or not.
Lighting the show solely with five lamps on the floor was not my favourite choice as it occasionally slowed and/or interrupted the pacing, though it did lead to some good laughs.
Overall: if you're looking to fill a spot in your fringe schedule, this is a worthy possibility.
“The Family Crow: A Murder Mystery” takes low-budget ingenuity to feathered new heights. With nothing more than desk lamps, a fan, and a handcrafted crow puppet perched above his head, Adam Francis Proulx conjures a full-scale whodunit—brimming with puns, personality, and a surprising emotional twist.
From the first scene, Horatio P. Corvus delivers rapid-fire wordplay—“Agatha Crowstie” themes weave through the narrative like a dark feathered thread. As the punning grows increasingly murderous, so does the audience’s delight. The lighting builds dramatic tension with scrappy elegance, while the fan gives life to every ruffle, every sinister squawk.
The puppet crow is arresting in its simplicity—irresistibly expressive, even under the most minimalist stagecraft. It’s a piece of puppetry art that proves you don’t need a big budget to craft a big theatrical heart.
The turn lands with the satisfying click of a crime unlocked. All the mystery tropes are honoured—and then bent just enough to keep you smiling, guessing, and thoroughly bewitched.
A Beak of Suspense
The Family Crow: A Murder Mystery is a clever mix of puppetry, puns, and playful mystery. Horatio P. Corvus works to solve a family murder, keeping the audience laughing and guessing the whole time. The puns completely stole the show, with plenty of fun audience interaction that made the performance feel personal. The plot twist landed well and gave the mystery a satisfying finish. Smart, silly, and a little bizarre, this award-winning Fringe hit is a must-see.