A magnetic performance trapped in a surprisingly predictable script.
Roleplay is a energetic, clever, and engaging piece of solo theatre. From the opening moments, the show sets a fast-paced tone, quickly drawing the audience into the chaotic world of online clout and podcasting. Writer and performer Hannah Reilly leads the room with easy charm, sharp skill, and an infectious, lively spirit.
The premise carries plenty of modern appeal. Danni spends her days producing podcasts for bros, while hosting a wild sex-advice show on the side. When offered a lucrative deal to go mainstream – on the condition that she hits 100,000 followers – she dives straight into sex work, kink, and shock content to build her brand. Watching her private life get turned into content brings plenty of witty moments and big laughs.
As a performer, Reilly is truly fantastic. Guided by slick direction and crisp sound design, she shifts smoothly between different characters in Danni’s life with brilliant vocal tracks, clever physical comedy, and great energy. She captures the absurdity of internet culture with real affection and keeps the audience locked in from start to finish.
However, the show stumbles when it comes to its story beats. What promises to be a bold, empowering look at modern media turns into a surprisingly predictable tale. The plot repeatedly pairs sex work and kink with drug use and personal ruin, which feels a bit old-fashioned. Since the supporting characters are drawn as simple bad guys early on, the big plot twists are easy to spot coming. It remains a wonderful showcase for Reilly’s talent, even if the script plays things a little too safe.
Edinburgh Festival Fringe (Summerhall)
Dates: 6 – 31 August 2026 (excluding Mondays 11, 18, and 25 August)
Time: 5:50 PM daily
Venue: TechCube 0, Summerhall
Running Time: 70 minutes
https://festival.summerhallarts.co.uk/events/roleplay/
London Transfer (Soho Theatre)
Dates: 22 October – 21 November 2026
Evening Shows: 7:00 PM (Monday -Saturday)
Saturday Matinees: 2:30 PM
Venue: Soho Theatre (Soho, London)
Running Time: 70 minutes
https://www.westendtheatre.com/360888/shows/roleplay-tickets/