REVIEW: Shame Show, EdFringe 2025 ★★★

Storm Seamus is interfering with the TV in Adam and Stevie’s rural cottage, but between the glitching weather reports, we see the cracks showing in their relationship. As they batten down the hatches for a long night indoors, will they manage to sort through their differences?

Rather than confront their issues head on, Adam and Stevie break out into a series of spin-off TV episodes from ‘Relogaytion, Relogaytion, Relogaytion’ to ‘Mr & Mr’, to ‘The Weakest Twink’ and more. Each parody hints at their ongoing romantic difficulties, yet the gags prevent them from ever confronting them head on. 

As camped up Kirsty and Phil explain, Adam is relishing in this new country lifestyle, however Stevie feels suffocated by the quiet, and yearns for the big bright lights of the city. These opposing views are mirrored in their queer expression as well, with Stevie being out-and-proud from a young age, and Adam coming out much later in life. 

The script is full of humour, which is brought to life enthusiastically by McCready and Wachala-Kelly, our two leads. They are accompanied by a clever soundscape and copious projection which makes this feel more like a quirky off-beat TV show than anything. 

Conceptually, it really does feel like a storm in a teacup. So many sketches so early on, connected by whimsical ‘switching’ of programmes through a flimsy antenna, feels overly goofy in a play that calls for a considerate dissection of Northern Ireland’s views on the homosexual population.

The ‘Mastermind’ episode is brilliantly conceived. Putting our two gay protagonists under the spotlight, asking them relentless and invasive questions about their sexual habits, perfectly portrays how inappropriate we can be as a society when engaging with queer people. 

It is certainly more Sketch Show than Theatre, however there is a beautiful moment near the play’s end where all the fantasy and performance is stripped away. Adam is able to relay his struggles with his gayness out in the open, without any costume or guise to get in the way. It is pitched excellently.

The communal rendition of Joe McElderry’s ‘The Climb’ as the show’s finale is nothing short of uplifting. Though it took us a moment to bring this conclusion together, the lasting effect is one of joy, and most importantly, pride.

Recommended Drink: A cup of hot cocoa to warm you up during the storm.

You can catch Shame Show at Pleasance Courtyard – The Green from Aug 2-5, 7-10, 12-17, 19-25 at 15:30. Tickets are available through the EdFringe Box Office.