EDINBURGH 2026: Review: SWAMPLESQUE, Assembly
Swamplesque runs at Edfringe until 30 August
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Swamplesque is the smash-hit sellout Fringe show that is a parody burlesque show of Shrek. They’re keen to mention at the top that it is in no way endorsed or affiliated with DreamWorks.
This 70 minute fever dream features a variety of characters from the swamp performing burlesque and drag while lip syncing to audio from the Shrek movie. Through expressive dance we meet Shrek, a solitary ogre living in a swamp who is less than thrilled when a whole host of fairy tale characters are kicked out of their homes and set up camp outside his.
Lord Farquaad is the one who evicted the characters and he is dead set on marrying a princess to earn him the title of King. Shrek is sent to rescue Princess Fiona so she can marry Farquaad but she’s been keeping a secret…
Swamplesque is pure escapist fun. It’s ridiculous and hilarious; you haven’t lived until you’ve seen the Three Little Pigs and Pinocchio do “Baby Got Back”. The song choices are spectacular and the Gingerbread Man striptease to Pussycat Dolls “Buttons” is another standout moment.
There’s sword-swallowing, aerial acrobatics, and a whole heap of burlesque performances. It’s surreal and brilliant and easy to see why its becoming such a hot ticket at the festival.
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