one4review | On 16, Aug 2025

I am writing this from the Meadows in Edinburgh, still basking in the glow of Miriam Margolyes’s performance. And yes, her show really was just as exquisite as last year. I did wonder if I’d hear some of the same material again, and yes, a few ditties were familiar, but far from recycled. They felt honed – delivery was sharp and charming, laced with pure talent and lots of laughter.

Miriam magically pours vitality into Dickens’s satirically raw characters, dazzling us once again with her formidable acting abilities. Truly, if you haven’t seen her resurrect these dusty old corpses of Dickens; then you absolutely must. It’s a showcase and a transformation! One audience member said she was ‘impressed by how talented Miriam is and the voice work made you believe and bring those characters alive’.

As for her tall tapestry of ditties and life tales, some I’d heard before, but Miriam has this incredible knack for retelling. It thrilled me to listen to some of the stories from last year, instilling that rare kind of delight, the kind you only feel in childhood: that giddy anticipation when you beg your aunt to tell that outrageous and funny story again. You know every twist, every laugh, but you want it all anyway. OMG, she is the best – see for yourself.

I can’t end without acknowledging her crass and witty humour—it’s a quintessential hallmark of Miriam Margolyes’ presence. This year, her delivery was especially on point, striking the perfect balance between outrageous and authentic. She knows exactly how far to push, and just when to pull back, keeping the audience both on edge and utterly charmed.

Nice frock too!

*****

Reviewed by Jen

Pleasance at EICC – Pentland Theatre

18.00 (1hr 10mins)

Until 24 Aug (not 18 or 21)