**** (4 stars)
“Drag with a tender heart!”
Arriving on the professional Drag circuit branded as “Scotland’s Youngest Drag Queen) Cherry west at just 18 already has a two year long career in drag and even starred in the five-star production of “Everybody’s Talking About Jamie” at the 2025 Fringe. Now Red Berry of Edinburgh brings her own show to the festival in a homage to all things television and delivers an hour long show of Drag with a tender heart.
Cherry takes us on a journey of hope that she may land on Ru Paul’s Drag Race by being inspired by a raft of television talent show which allows an affectionate and comedy driven pastiche of Britain’s Got Talent, Strictly Come Dancing and Big Brother to name but a few in a nicely written and performed hour of comedy drag.
Featuring some of Cherry’s self-written songs amongst the pop hits and plenty of audience participation this is a fun show that allows itself a little pathos as Cherry opens up on her journey from Sam Carlin, City School boy to Cherry West a high heel wearing glitter monster of drag passion.
The show is acutely observed if a little self-indulgent but aren’t all Drag Queens the same? Much of the run has played to sold out audiences so its clear that the Red Berry of Edinburgh is here to stay!
Cherry West Aff The Telly is a stand out in its category and allows home grown talent to shine wonderfully well and its clear more shows await the Red Berry in future festivals. For now, grab with return tickets you can, get glammed up and explore Cherry West as she truly gets! Aff The Telly!
Cherry West, Aff The Telly, Live Room at The Three Sisters Venue 272a, for info go to: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/cherry-west-aff-the-telly
ScotsGay Arts 