REVIEW: House of Pitman, Luke Pitman, EdFringe 2026 ★★★★

Luke Pitman tries to step into his forefather’s G-string in this bonkers show. Finding himself suddenly required to step up to the pole at a strip club run by generations of his family, Luke struggles to appease the disembodied voice of his grandmother and strip like he means it.

You’ve never seen a stripper move like this; like he’s been possessed by a debaucherous squirrel, that is. Out of a long line of impressive Pitman’s, this one is the most hapless. He’s a clown, not a sex god! Yet, little Pitman gives it his all to make this a thoroughly enjoyable show. The audience might have been hesitant at first, but you could not help but be doubled over laughing by the end. Luke wooed the audience with his bumbling charm and his crazy physicality. It was a very sexy, very good time all round.

Pitman is my favourite type of clown, rather than some outlandish character, he’s just a guy who happens to be a little idiotic. He tries to please the audience, giving one girl a disastrous lap dance, making eyes at the whole room, and whipping off more clothes to dramatic effect. Some of the gags never seem to find their full fruition, like the walkie talkie he hands to an audience member, but he delights nonetheless. There is definitely a structure here, but outwith the predetermined story beats, it seems there’s a lot of room for improvisation. Fortunately, Pitman is superbly quick on his feet and goes with the audience’s desires. It’s important to note that he is not a good stripper, but he does give the crowd what they want. The energy is very high, and as the audience whoops and cheers the nervous Pitman along, you can’t help but root for his success.

The bizarre scenario reaches it’s stunning pinnacle as Pitman does his relative’s famed number…meaning he must get in and then out of a suitcase. You will be belly laughing watching the madness unfold as Pitman tries to make his baggage sexy and gloriously fails. Naturally, then the show spirals into Pitman passionately snogging said suitcase in a torrid love affair that simply can’t be! The show allows for the artist to showcase some solid clown numbers, whilst also allowing them to dance around the structure somewhat. It’s an excellent example of a really joyous clown show that I can imagine a wide-ranging audience would love. Come see the stripper with your gal pals, come see him with your dad, come see him with your partner, this is the kind of slapstick and character comedy that a lot of people will enjoy for its sheer silliness.

For such a fun show, the ending was a little unsatisfying as the ominous voice of granny tells Pitman that he doesn’t have what it takes and to get offstage. It’s quite an abrupt change of tone for what is otherwise kind of an uplifting, if awkward, show. There were some moments, also, that felt a bit cluttered, like too many ideas were playing against each other for one to complete successfully. It was a great time, though, and executed with infectious energy and a bizarre imagination.

I can imagine this show would be a very fun start to a good night out, it’s un-serious and gets your energy up. Should you be in the market for a weird strip tease, you couldn’t find one better. Watch this show to feel conflicted, but definitely stimulated.

Recommended drink: Frozen daiquiri, crazy straw, little umbrella. A good, fun time all round.

Catch House of Pitman at Playground 2 at ZOO Playground from 24-30 August at 20.35 (60 mins). Tickets are available through the EdFringe Box Office.