Category: Brett Herriot at the Festivals

**** (4 stars)

“Packed with Truth!”

Originally developed in 2024 at a Slainte! Theatre scratch night before being developed into a full length one act play written by and starring Fraser Kelsey as “Ollie” with dramaturg and direction from Charlotte Anne Tilley and featuring Helena Main as “Siobhan”.

Following sell out performances at the 2025 Edinburgh Fringe and successful transfer to off west end in London, Desperate Wee Gay Boy! Returns for a full run at this year’s Fringe in a show that’s packed with comedy and truth in equal measure to the point it almost feels semi-autobiographical.

Kelsey plays “Ollie” a Scottish boy living his best life in the heart of London’s Gay scene living with his best friend “Siobhan” (an incredibly talented turn from Helena Main). Its Ollie’s birthday so he hits G.A.Y Late at Heaven with twink abandonment for an evening fueled by white powder, booze and huge dollop of sex in exploration of self-worth and confusion of what is love, being loved and simply being used as a sex toy?

Fraser Kelsey turns in an extraordinary performance as Ollie as the vast bulk of the play is “one man” style, yes, the language is rough and ready and Kelsey imbues the character with a great deal of energy but he also allows the intimate moments to shine through in an emotionally truthful way.

Can this one night of abandonment really be Ollie’s turning point so he see’s his actions have consequences not just for himself but those lives he touches? Thanks to a clever “twist” its revealed that Desperate wee gay boy is a coming-of-age story we can all identify with and that makes this show a real charmer.

Kelsey needs to watch his pacing to ensure that feeling of rushing the play will go and the show itself will find its own pace but other than that, this is a truly engaging and entertaining way to start any evening on the Fringe!

Desperate Wee Gay Boy!, The Fringe, Venue 61, Belly Dancer @ Underbelly, Cowgate runs until Sunday 30^th August for info go to: DESPERATE WEE GAY BOY | Edinburgh Festival Fringe

***** 5 Stars

“A Perfect Slice of a Musical! “

Celebrating a decade since its debut in America at the American Repertory Theatre prior to a transfer to Broadway at the Brooks Atkinson before hitting the shores of London’s West End at the Adelphi Theatre. Waitress now returns for a new UK wide tour with music and lyrics by Sara Bareillies and a book by Jessie Nelson based on the original 2007 motion picture this company produce a perfect slice of a musical pay that moves the heart and stirs the soul.

Telling the story of Jenna (A truly gorgeous turn from Carrie Hope Fletcher), a waitress and expert pie-maker who dreams of some happiness in her life. When a hot new doctor, Dr Pomatter (The wonderful Dan Partridge) arrives in town, life gets complicated. With the support of her workmates Becky (Sandra Marvin) and Dawn (Evelyn Hoskins), Jenna overcomes the challenges she faces and finds that laughter, love that friendship can provide and thanks the legacy of grouchy Joe (Les Dennis) the perfect recipe for happiness.

Restaged by Abbey O’Brien, directed by Diane Paulus and featuring choreography from Lorin Latarro this is truly a faultless modern musical masterclass that balances story, truth and human emotion in equal measure and thanks to the peerless performances from the entire company. From the leads to the ensemble every person on stage shines delivering finely tuned comedy with heart rending emotional moments with ease.

Carrie Hope Fletcher delivers the performance of her career imbuing Jenna with a rich truth and honesty especially when dealing with the horrifying domestic abuse that permeates her life. Her vocals are on point, and you can’t help but cheer her on. Dan Partridge is also in fine form as Dr Pomatter blending comedy and truth with great skill. Les Dennis as “Joe” is somewhat underused, but my word does he make his stage time count especially in touching reveal at the end of the show.

The nine leads truly shine as does the seven strong ensemble who bring to life a myriad of characters with ease. Special mention must go to Ellie Ruiz Rodrigues as “Nurse Norma” a comedic triumph that gains belly laughs from the enwrapped audience.

Musically the score sores with its beautiful mix of pop and ballads and the standout moment is Carrie Hope Fletchers delivery of “She used to be mine” a true musical moment that transcends the art form. Adding a quality touch is musical director Francesca Warren and her wonderful 6 strong on-stage band that blends seamlessly into the story.

Production wise this is a musical that puts a dose of old school theatre making at its heart which ensures the performances shine even more. Scott Pask’s set design is on point bringing a middle American town to vivid life. This is enhanced by Ken Billington’s capturing lighting design alongside Rob Bettle’s perfectly executed sound design. Creatively special mention must go Suttirat Anne Larlarb evocative costume design that blends modern America with the style of the 50’s diner its stunning on the eye.

 Waitress is a rare breed of modern musical that blends pitch perfect writing blended with heart rending performances in a truth laden exploration of the human condition and just how much one person can take before breaking free and discovering themselves and that makes this production a must see for any fan of the theatre.

So, what are you waiting for? Head to the Playhouse and grab your own slice of the pie, prepare for laughter, the odd tears and to be fully entertained in the most special of ways! Wonderful stuff indeed!

Waitress,  Edinburgh Playhouse, Runs until Saturday 16th May, for more information and tickets go to: Waitress Tickets | Edinburgh Playhouse in Edinburgh | ATG Tickets

The Productions UK tour continues and the show will visit The King’s Theatre Glasgow Tuesday 6^th  – Saturday 10^th October 2026