Table Top Roleplaying game company Chaosium turns fifty years old this year, with its flagship game, Call of Cthulhu, hitting 44 this same year. As the name implies, it’s inspired by the works of HP Lovecraft and has arguably been the driving force behind keeping the Cthulhu Mythos in the public eye for so long.

Call Of Cthulhu – Live In The Library takes this long-running horror role-playing game and turns it into a public spectacle, using a skilled games master (called a Keeper in the game’s parlance) and a series of guest actors and comedians.  Similar to shows like Tartan Tabletop or Dimension 20, this is essentially long-form improv with very specific rules and a setting. The story looks like it’s telling itself, but it’s all down to a very well-oiled machine. Chaosium has outdone itself by producing such a fun show.

Mike Mason is the show’s Keeper, the ringmaster responsible for keeping the story going. Mike is also Chaosium’s Creative Director for the game, so he knows a thing or two about the setting and the system. It’s always a pleasure to see a master of their craft use their skills, and Mike can be easily described as one of the best Call of Cthulhu Keepers in the world.

The show we saw included a collection of comedians and performers who are all part of the gaming entertainment space. Becca Scott, Sam See and Jon Gracey are mostly known for hosting games themselves, and Sydney Amanuel and Josephine McAdam are specifically actors with a talent for shows such as this.

This was a carefully considered mix of players, all of whom balanced game play with audience interaction to create something delightful. Add in the setting, the lecture hall of the National Library of Scotland, and the overall effect is a very good and highly entertaining show.

Excellent spooky fun.

You can learn about Call of Cthulhu live shows here and learn more about Chaosium and their products here.