Photos: LIL' MISS KATE - WARD OF THE STATE to Play Edinburgh Festival Fringe

A parody of American radio shows from the 1930s and '40s is coming to this year's Edinburgh Festival Fringe, immersing audiences in classic audio storytelling and exaggerated live sound effects (including 'horses hooves' coconuts and opening doors). "Lil' Miss Kate - Ward of the State", written by New Yorker Seth Finkelstein, is a comedy that whisks audiences to the absurd world of "America's Second-Favorite Orphan Adventurer."  Check out photos below!

In this latest episode, Kate flees her home at City Hall, seeking adventure, only to run into a creature she believes to be a 'mole person', holed up in a basement. A farce ensues as she brings her new friend home, leading to a mess of miscommunication, booby traps and near-death experiences. But what incredible secret is our mole hiding?

The story revolves around Kate, a ridiculously assured orphan and adventurer who was found in a barrel in the Hudson River. Supporting her is Deputy Mayor Solomon Russell, her boisterous guardian; Lucinda Sheraton, a former heavy weight boxing champion who becomes Kate’s teacher; and Fiorello, Kate’s faithful steed.

Set in America during the 1930s and 1940s, the comedy offers a humorous take on the classic adventure series, featuring live foley sound effects, but also mocks the extravagant heroes of the time and their rather farfetched origins. Combining the elements of Little Orphan Annie with the comedic antics of Monty Python, Airplane! and The Naked Gun, the series brings an exhilarating ensemble comedy with ridiculous advertisers and exaggerated voice-over narration.

Seth Finkelstein, co-creator, comments: "We're telling a story that's pure fun and silliness - a joke-packed comedy that lets modern audiences rediscover just how playful audio can be. Our ensemble leans into sharp timing, big theatricality and fast, ridiculous turns, building jokes with care and taking the long, satisfying road to the punchline. It's a real break from heavy, confessional comedy. It's a different kind of storytelling that audiences might not have come across before."

‘Lil' Miss Kate - Ward of the State’ started out as an audio comedy podcast created during the pandemic. The passion for radio drama is now brought to the stage, complete with live sound effects, quick acting, and unabashed silliness. It’s an innovative and escapist show for modern Fringe crowds, mining comedy gold. 

Photo Credit: Colin Hattersley Photography 

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