Presented by Relish Theatre
Review by Dominic Corr
Sequins and subversion have long been natural bedfellows, yet rarely does contemporary theatre fuse the two with such unapologetic, riotous energy as Acid’s Reign. Produced by Relish Theatre Company, this fiercely political drag musical evokes the radical, unruly spirit of 1970s queer performance while maintaining a precision that feels entirly ready for further life. The narrative charts the turbulent journey of an activist drag collective born after founder Alex Acid is unceremoniously jailed alongside climate protestors, following the group from a tiny Glastonbury stage in 2019 to a fractured, underfunded reality in 2026.
Commanding the production is Victoria Scone, who delivers a masterclass in comedic timing and devastating theatrical presence as Alex. Their grounded performance anchors a remarkably cohesive ensemble where every member is given space to shine. Scarlett Harlett gleefully chews the scenery as the increasingly commercial, Disney-esque villain Dina Mite, while Gigi Zahir provides deep emotional resonance as Ria Listic. The innocence of newcomer Olive Branch is captured beautifully by Ash Weir, and Jamie Fuxx quite literally raises the roof as Micky Steele with “Last Minute King,” a powerhouse vocal number that sharply highlights the industry marginalisation of drag kings. While the production’s sheer ambition means it occasionally runs a little long, and its impressively lavish lighting and set design by Catja Hamilton and Good Teeth might pose logistical headaches for future touring, these are microscopic gripes against such an absurdly polished spectacle.
Beneath the towering wigs and rapid-fire costume changes—which serve as glorious acts of resistance in themselves—the script by Luke Howarth and Evie Fehilly wrestles with the grim realities of capitalism, climate change, and the cost of selling out in a heteronormative landscape. This thematic weight is perfectly balanced by Gabriel Chernick’s phenomenal original score and musical direction, delivering everything from high-camp toe-tappers to Zahir’s haunting, stripped-back solo, “If They Aren’t Here Next Year”.
Armed with David Allwood’s sharp choreography, Acid’s Reign is a living, breathing testament to the power of queer joy as an act of defiance. It is a glittering, unruly triumph that absolutely demands a space at the top of your festival schedule.
A Glittery, Unruly Triumph
Acid’s Reign runs at venue 33, Forth at Pleasance Courtyard at 15:45
Running time – Sevnty-five minutes
Review by Dominic Corr (contact@corrblimey.uk)
Editor of Corr Blimey, and a freelance critic for Scottish publications, Dominic has been writing freelance for several established and respected publications such as BBC Radio Scotland, The List, The Scotsman, Edinburgh Festival Magazine, The Reviews Hub, In Their Own League, The Wee Review and Edinburgh Guide. As of 2023, he is a member of the Critic’s Award for Theatre Scotland (CATS) and a member of the UK Film Critics.
