The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is the biggest arts festival in the world, with over 3,700 shows. This year, Playbill is in town for the festival and we’re taking you with us. Follow along as we cover every single aspect of the Fringe, aka our real-life Brigadoon!
Sometimes you have to get a bit naughty. In Holly Stars' Edinburgh Fringe debut Justice For Holly, the U.K. drag legend is on trial, and only you can save her from the court of public opinion.
A legendary host throughout the UK scene, Stars is the writer and star of hit West End show Death Drop, having led the production through its three West End runs and sold-out tour. Described by Attitude Magazine as "a spitfire of a host," in her normal life, Stars produces and presents the monthly Soho cabaret Time of the Month, while also serving as a star and co-creator of the Amazon Prime/Out TV series Holly Stars: Inspirational.
This month, however, she's tossed it all to the side to come to Edinburgh and cut her teeth on something new. Read on to learn why Stars simply had to dive deep into the Fringe.
How long have you been working on your show?
Holly Stars: The first iteration of Justice for Holly took place in 2022. The show was very different then as I was trying a few things out and I’ve done a few different solo shows since. But when the opportunity came up to bring a show to Edinburgh Fringe, I knew Justice for Holly was the one. It’s a fun comedy story about being a nightmare neighbor in the north of England, who may or may not have stolen some lipsticks.
Why did you want to present your show at the Edinburgh Fringe?
Edinburgh Fringe is a wonderful opportunity to be part of a bigger community of artists, all presenting their best work at the same time. There’s something exciting about that—especially being part of the queer community who are so beautifully represented all across the Fringe.
What’s been the most difficult part about performing in the Fringe?
Being away from my dog! I’m quite a homebody so being away for so long has definitely been tricky, as has been keeping to a balanced healthy diet. I’ve eaten far too much convenience food! If I never see a Meal Deal again, it will be too soon!
What has been the most rewarding part about performing in the Fringe?
Finding community with fellow drag artists and getting to spend time together. I’ve been able to hang out and work with cabaret icons Dolly Diamond and Aunty Ginger a lot and that has been wonderful.
What’s something you’ve learned about doing Fringe that you wish you knew
going in?
I thought I’d have more time to see a lot more shows, but the exhaustion got me and I haven’t seen half of what I’d have liked to! There are so many fabulous performers here and I wish I could have seen them all.
What are you hoping to get out of your Fringe experience?
My goal from the beginning was to perform to new audiences, to try out a new version of my show and see how it lands, and to make new connections in my community. I feel like I managed all three.
What other show would you recommend that people go see and why?
I’m going to be cheeky here and recommend two: The Unburdening of Dolly Diamond at the Assembly Roxy—an absolute masterclass in classic, high quality cabaret. And, if you’re in the mood for something saucier, Aunty Ginger’s Finding Splashman at Assembly Underground.
Holly Stars: Justice For Holly runs at Assembly George Square until August 26. Click here for tickets.
