It’s more than a word – it’s a societal chokehold. A lifelong battle with scales, shapewear and shifty surgeons. But there’s an alternative! Backed by a powerhouse band, multi-award-winning vocalist and cabaret performer Michelle Pearson dishes up a stunning blend of pop anthems, soaring ballads and raw, real storytelling. With stunning vocals and eye-opening interviews, this inspiring work unpacks society’s toxic obsession with diet culture urging us to rethink what beauty truly means. Heartfelt, relatable and uplifting, it’s a celebration of every shape, every size and every person who’s ever looked in the mirror and wondered: is this slimming?
Would you mind giving us a brief insight into what your show/event/performance is?
Skinny is a funny, defiant and ultimately uplifting cabaret that takes a hard look at society’s obsession with body size and perfection. It’s based on my personal journey, but it resonates with so many people because so many of us have been taught to shrink ourselves to fit. Through music, storytelling and real life interviews played during the show, Skinny explores how we break free from those damaging ideals.
Tell us about the creative team and the process involved?
My creative team are some of my closest friends because we have worked together for many years. My MD (Aaron Nash) is also a co-writer, and he plays the role of a weight-loss surgeon in Skinny, and he does it so well. People boo him at the end of the show. The process feels like it was super quick, but in fact, it has taken about 2.5 years to get to this point. Originally, it was a script, but with lots of collaboration and research (we use the stories of real people in the show in televised interviews), it has become quite the beast of a show.
How does it feel coming to the Fringe?
This is my 4th Edinburgh Fringe and I am really excited to introduce Skinny to an international audience. We are playing an off-Broadway season in September, and I am so eager to perform our shows in London and Edinburgh first to see how everything lands with people from around the world.
I’ve played the Fringe before with Comfort Food Cabaret and Down Under – The Songs That Shaped Australia, but Skinny is something different; it’s more personal, more provocative, and much more vulnerable. That said, there’s no better place than Edinburgh to test the courage of your convictions. I’m nervous, but ready.
With shows from all over the world at the Fringe, what sets yours apart?
Skinny doesn’t just entertain, it hits you in the heart, then hands you a mirror. It’s cabaret with purpose, packed with truth, humour, stunning vocal performances and some truly wild confessions. And because it draws on real-life experiences, mine and others’, it carries an authenticity you can’t fake. It’s not just a show; it’s a conversation we all need to be having.
Is there anything specific you’re hoping the audience will take away?
I want people to be gentler with themselves. To notice the language they use about their own bodies and others’, and to start unlearning the shame we’ve all been handed. And I want them to feel joy. Because letting go of those toxic expectations is freeing and surprisingly fun.
Your Ideal audience is in attendance, who’s watching? Or more importantly – who isn’t…?
Haha – so I have already seen some pretty yuck comments on my poster advert that is floating around META (let the body shaming begin) so I could tell you exactly who it’s NOT for. But I think we could all do very well if we had this conversation. Maybe then people would start to think about their words and preconceived ideals around the perfect body.
It’s an intense month, so where you’re able, how do you plan to relax, and are there any other shows you intend to see or want to recommend?
I’m only doing a short run this time because I can’t be away from my little boy for too long (he’s staying in Australia with his dad), and I am also performing my cooking show, Comfort Food Cabaret, on select weekends at the Edinburgh New Town Cookery School. You get fed a meal in that show!
My version of relaxing is a late brunch with friends in Edinburgh, a cheeky post-show prosecco, a FaceTime with my little boy so I can sing him his favourite bedtime tune and finding the nearest place to get a proper bowl of pasta. I’m keen to catch shows that are looking to come to Adelaide Fringe in 2026 because I am looking for shows to program at the Bowden Fringe.
In your ideal world, how can we improve the Fringe, performance, and the industry?
Affordability and accessibility. Fringe needs to be a place where artists from all backgrounds, not just those with financial means, can share their stories. I’d also love to see more support for artists with caring responsibilities (like me!). The more we reflect the full spectrum of humanity on our stages, the richer the experience becomes for everyone.
Skinny runs at Venue 302:Friesian at Underbelly @ Bristo Square
Photo credit: Rachel Scholich
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