one4review | On 04, Aug 2025

Making its international debut in the Edinburgh Fringe following a sold-out tour of Australia, this stand out show did not disappoint.

The preshow music with Howard Jones blaring out had ensured I already had one leg (warmer) in the 80’s by the time the 5-piece band took to the stage, Roz Pappalardo on vocals with a backing band of new romantics and glam metal members.

Tammy Tooth (Rahcel Terry) burst on to the stage to Madonna’s Like a Virgin taking us right into an 80’s dance class, the audience were on their feet straight away and following Tammy’s dance moves such as the Rubik’s cube and the Royal mile walk.

Tammy then took us back a year to packing up her marital home after a split, a stressed out  peri menopausal Tammy was having a typical argument with her teenage daughter Violet (Scarlett Terry)  as the argument reaches its peak and home truths are delivered, Tammy’s treasured 80’s mix tape is destroyed, a remorseful Violet instantly makes her mum up a 1980 playlist.

Whilst listening to the playlist, Tammy is transported back to her 1980’s bedroom to meet her teenage self also played by Scarlett Terry, the scenes were poignant, funny and nostalgic as they passed on advice to their past and future selves through music from Whitney, Madonna, Irene Cara and lots more.

There is much more to this show, and I could write for pages and pages, it’s a high energy powerhouse of a show which will wow thousands in Edinburgh with incredible, funny performances from Rachel Scarlett, and Roz as well as the accompanying band and dancers.  5 stars all the way.

*****

Reviewed by Lou Heathcote

Studio One, Assembly George Square Studios

1-25 August 17.55