Lolly Jones: Fifty Shades of May

2 minute read
Picture of Emma Deeley

Emma Deeley

Brexit and politics featured heavily at the Fringe this year. However, could a hybrid of characterisation, political satire and burlesque work at the festival? In short, yes.

The show is essentially Lolly Jones lip syncing to audio edits from Theresa May and other female politician’s speeches and comments – namely Nicola Sturgeon, Angela Eagle and Arlene Foster – in various stages of undress, which could undoubtedly be considered a strange format. 

However, interspersed with footage of the brilliant Liam Hourican as a rather fiendishly sexually charged Jacob Rees-Mogg (who happened to be in the audience that night), and featuring two scantily clad male dancers, the show was high energy humour from start to finish.

Lolly captures Theresa May’s gurning mannerisms perfectly and her attention to detail was second to none.  To mime to different voices in character with numerous costume and wig changes, whilst simultaneously stripping, dancing and performing burlesque moves is surely an insurmountable feat, but Lolly more than pulls it off in this fervent performance.  A performance that had the audience in hysterics at times.

Brilliant character comedy, unbelievable attention to detail and timing, Lolly is a force to be reckoned with

So it would appear political satire and burlesque are akin to strong and stable.

★★★★

Lolly Jones: Fifty Shades of May is at 20:50 at Assembly Roxy until 24th August. For tickets and more information click here!

Our coverage of the Edinburgh Fringe comes to you with the support off Starling Bank, the mobile-only bank that takes your money seriously. Through their campaign #MakeMoneyEqual, Starling is promoting the often difficult conversations about money and giving women a voice.

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