EDINBURGH 2023: Pick of the Programme - Drag and Cabaret
Natalie O'Donoghue shares her top drag and cabaret picks from the Edfringe programme
By: Natalie O'Donoghue Jun. 15, 2023
With nearly 3000 shows now on sale for the 2023 Edinburgh Festival Fringe, trying to narrow down what to see can be a bit of a task. BWW reviewer Natalie O'Donoghue has selected her top ten picks across the festival programme to highlight the shows you really don't want to miss this year!
Monét X Change: Life Be Lifein'
With sex, Siri, and the familiar mundane at the top of the mind, operatic bass-baritone and comedienne Monét X Change shares her anecdotal, intrusive thoughts and opinions on life and how it continues to perplex her at every turn in her debut Fringe hour. Monét is an entertainment spitfire and the first double-crown winner in RuPaul's Drag Race herstory. Known for delivering energetic and show-stopping performances, Monét's showwomanship is a reflection of a tireless work ethic to cultivate and perfect her immaculate lip-syncing skills, comedic chops and (mostly) pitch-perfect live singing.
RuPauls Drag Race UK and RuPaul's Drag Race UK vs The World finalist, fan-favorite Baga Chipz has finally had time to put together her first ever one-woman show. Baga is bringing you a full 60-minute show of laugh-out-loud comedy and some camp cabaret as she goes through her life as a Material Girl. Expect production, dancers and an evening with Baga Chipz to make you feel MUCH BETTA!
Reuben Kaye: The Butch is Back
The 2022 global hit returns! 'What a powerhouse show from a phenomenal performer' (Chortle.co.uk). Fast, on the edge and brutally funny, Reuben Kaye is back to tear the world apart and put it back together.
The Chortle Award 2023 finalists bring you their glittery comedy cabaret of unbridled fun! The comedy quartet delivers their self-penned songs celebrating sex and sisterhood in a bra-burning evening of mischief. The powerhouse vocalists will take you on an X-rated ride with riotous anthems that are as wide-ranging as their dating escapades; from the plight of online pornography to the perils of flat-pack furniture. Expect big voices and bold statements in a sparkly spectacle filled with hilarity and full-frontal vulgarity.
The winner of Drag Race hits the Fringe as part of their debut solo tour! Join Danny as they take to the stage with their live band in a show which promises to be bigger, better and more camp than ever before. Five nights only – book early!
Katy Berry: Diamond Goddess Crystal Pussy
Katy Berry grew up on Long Island, the land of Billy Joel and baked clams, but she never fit in. After a staggering revelation that her mom slept with Poseidon in the 80s, it finally makes sense: she's been a demigoddess all along! Now Katy's done doing human shit and out to help other repressed goddesses unleash their power. Known for her work with Fringe favourites, Baby Wants Candy, Berry's solo debut is a feel-good mix of hilarious storytelling, jaw-dropping improvised songs, and magical surprises that make Diamond Goddess Crystal Pussy a must-see experience.
The Kinsey Sicks: Drag Queen Storytime Gone Wild!
America's most potty-mouthed and politically outspoken drag a cappella quartet escaped the morality police in the US... only to inflict their outrageous parodies on the UK! What can possibly go right? No Disney tune, nursery rhyme, or beloved pop song is safe from their outrageous parodies in delicious four-part harmony. With scathing satire and cheeky classics from 30 years of appalling their audiences, this new musical from America's favourite Dragapella Beautyshop Quartet has been rated PG for Patently Ghastly.
Dizney In Drag: Once Upon A Parody
Prepare to have all your childhood dreams shattered like Cinderella's glass slipper. It's A Whole New World of adult fairytale... you'll pity the Poor Unfortunate Souls who miss out on this one! Follow familiar characters and discover sides of them you never knew existed. If you have any reservation, just Let It Go... Be Our Guest and book a seat now! Disclaimer: This Dizney in Drag: Once Upon a Parody event and producers are in no way affiliated with, or endorsed by, The Walt Disney Company or any of its affiliates.
Lawrence Chaney – Overweight and OVER IT!
Overweight and OVER IT is about the trials and tribulations of being plus size! Lawrence Chaney made history as the first plus-size winner of RuPaul's Drag Race UK. Growing up in the late 90s/early 00s, all TV and media portrayed people's bodies negatively. Now, in 2023 people think they possess no prejudice against plus-size people because they like one Lizzo song. Lawrence will talk everything from dating and exercise to having to buy two seats on a plane but only getting one meal!
Hosted by London drag king superstar comic Louis Cyfer, the history-making queen from RuPaul's Drag Race UK, Victoria Scone is bringing her Jam-Packed show to the Fringe. Direct off of her fantastic run on Canada's Drag Race: Canada vs the World with Victoria reaching the final four, this female drag sensation is ready to give you an unforgettable night of comedy, cabaret, fabulous drag and so much more.
The full programme is available at www.edfringe.com
Photo credit: VICTOR JEFFREYS
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