one4review | On 09, Dec 2024

With the festive season fast approaching it is the time for the Edinburgh’s Christmas entertainment to ramp up a step, or in the cases of this venue quite a lot of steps, as Trigger Happy Productions, together with Assembly Theatre bring back the 2024 Edinburgh Fringe smash Swamplesque for the best part of a month in the Assembly Halls Edinburgh.
This outrageous production is a parody of the much-loved movie Shrek, but given a twist as burlesque dancers, drag queens, a roller-skater, Pinocchio, inflatable pigs, dragons, donkey and many, many more characters from said film, lip-sync, disrobe, dance and cavort and royally entertain for the excess of an hour with a hi-energy, laugh filled performance. It is played on a virtually set free stage, in contrast to some of the costumes that are spectacular.
This is party time, the talented and enthusiastic cast ooze likeability, and audience involvement is demanded in the form of whoops, cheering and certainly given in bucketloads from the opening night show I saw, however there were maybe a couple of the front row who wished they sat a bit further back!
I could imagine that this would be an absolute hoot as part of an office Xmas night out, especially with a couple of drinks on board to loosen the inhibitions. It is not essential to be a regular part of the burlesque scene, or in fact have an intimate knowledge of the Shek movie franchise, to enjoy this production. Just go and immerse yourself in the festive experience, so very different from the usual panto type offerings.
There are numerous different times for performances so be sure to check when booking, and runs most days until 4th January 2025, oh and it does carry a strictly over 16-year-old rating.
****
Reviewed by Geoff
Assembly Halls
Times vary
Until 4th January (Not Mondays, Xmas Day or 1st January}