“Evocative personal tale entwined with a lecture on economics”
It’s the Economy Stupid! returns to the Edinburgh Fringe for a short run after sold-out tours
in 2024 and 2025. This two-hander play, or perhaps more accurately a theatrical lecture,
blends personal narrative with special effects, magic tricks and impressions to help deliver a
lesson about economics.
Joe Sellman-Leava and Dylan Howells’ both have solo shows at this years’ Fringe, but
perform as a double act here. Sellman-Leava shares his personal account of how his family
history was entangled with the economic trends of the day, while Howells provides the
balance, either as a counternarrative or by punctuating the story with comedic interjections
or magic – and avoiding, for the most part, this becoming a rant about the prevailing system.
Although, there’s no doubt the motive of this show is to give the dismal science a kicking.
Though referencing famous economists and policies, this is targeted very much at the
economic layman. Concepts are acted out or explained using stories and set pieces.
Cardboard boxes form the backdrop onto which the visual effects are projected to support
this – a deliberately homespun aesthetic that suits the material.
Joe Sellman-Leava is a compelling storyteller, telling a personal narrative about his family
history. Millennial problems articulated with earnest, engaging warmth. He has created a
niche for inventive, multi-faceted shows that combine theatre and social issues.
The show first appeared at the Fringe three years ago. Its 2024 run was lauded, perhaps
because the cost of living pressures it touches on were at their height then, along with the
anger about them. However, the underlying lessons on inequality and inequity at the core of
this show remain, making this still a brilliant show still very relevant.
Show listing: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/it-s-the-economy-stupid
Listings information:
Venue: Pleasance Dome
Dates: 25–31 August 2026
Time: 12:00
Running time: 60 minutes
Fringe Box Office: 0131 226 0000