Female friendship that doesn’t beat around the bush
Fresh off the back of a five-star powerhouse Northern tour Is This Thing On? follows two flatmates, one a musician and the other a poet, as they battle over integrity, ownership and the spotlight.
Seamlessly blending stand-up, song, spoken word, rap, and storytelling, this two-hander dramedy marks a much-anticipated debut at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
Meet Mary and Liz as they discuss (argue over) their work, relationship and whether or not pulling a poem out of your vagina is “too much” or “the perfect way” to make a political statement. As their friendship reaches boiling point, one fateful open mic night forces them to confront each other over whose right it is to tell someone else’s story.
An electric piece of new-writing, Is This Thing On? tackles a variety of grey area debates – from the difference between artificial and authentic representations of sexuality to the morality of using stories of sexual assault for art’s sake.
With their clever wit, infectious energy and creative flair, it’s difficult not to join these two on their comical and chaotic journey of female friendship. And they aren’t here to beat around the bush.
This sparkling show is a co-production between So La Flair Theatre who, following their production How To Keep Up With The Kardashians (2022), were celebrated as “a company worth watching” (British Theatre Guide) and thrilling new Manchester based duo, MissMatch, made up of Megan Keaveny (Mab Gwalia Drama Student Scholar 2022 and National Youth Theatre Rep Company 2024/25) and Ellie Campbell (Scottish Youth Theatre National Ensemble 2017).
Is This Thing On? marks this powerhouse duo’s debut at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Their North Of England Tour was supported by Arts Council England National Lottery Project Grant and Michael Sheen’s Mab Gwalia fund for working class Welsh actors.
Until 25 August, 2.25pm – running time 60 mins
Location – Underbelly Cowgate (Delhi Belly), 66 Cowgate, Edinburgh.
