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EDINBURGH 2018: Review: LIKE A STURGEON, Underbelly

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EDINBURGH 2018: Review: LIKE A STURGEON, Underbelly Image

EDINBURGH 2018: Review: LIKE A STURGEON, Underbelly Image

They say never judge a show by its title, but I figured when that title made me laugh for a solid ten minutes when I read it in the brochure in June- it was worth an hour of my time.

Ripley is an Edinburgh born drag queen who performs as several female political leaders. Opening with Theresa May lip syncing to altered lyrics on Taylor Swift's "Look What You Made Me Do" she sets the tone for the rest of the performance. This cabaret is clever, well executed and downright hilarious.

After watching Theresa May prance around onstage for the first fifteen minutes I did wonder how Ripley was planning to transform into other political figures as he just made such a convincing Theresa... There is a brief video interlude during the costume change and then Melania Trump shuffles onto the stage. And that's where this show really cranks it up a notch. Ripley takes on the mannerisms of the First Lady and the attention to detail in the costumes are what sets this apart from other Fringe drag shows.

The tracklist for the show is exceptional- Marina and the Diamonds, Katy Perry, Cheryl, Madonna, Britney Spears and finishing with the ultimate icon, Cher. Some of the songs remain as they were recorded but many have lyrics changed to fit in with the characters and themes of the show.

Flawlessly performed with huge laughs throughout. This is Ripley's first ever performance at the Fringe and I very much hope it won't be the last!

https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/like-a-sturgeon

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Theater Fans' Choice Awards
2026 Theater Fans' Choice Awards - Live Stats
Best Lead Performer in a Musical - Top 3
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20.9% of votes
2. Joshua Henry - Ragtime
15.7% of votes
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9.7% of votes

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