Other than the closing line of one of Twonketta’s musical interludes, there was no ‘Soft’, ‘December’, ‘Night’ or ‘Tallahassee’. Of course there wasn’t. Welcome to the Twonkey-sphere. Or Twonko-verse. Or, since the unceremonious, Ziggy S-style curtailment of Twonkey’s career a couple of years back, maybe the Twonketta-sphere? Some are starting to question the story about the tin of condensed milk, sensing the hallmarks of a particularly ruthless boardroom takeover. Still, Twonketta feigns such remorse that we accept, attend and note that most of the backing props and puppets have moved on too. With gusto they set about this adventure, a complex chilli-spiced grapefruit, designed to give most professional chefs a seizure. One which the Marvel franchise can only dream of. So, hold on… tight!
If it’s comedy, musical theatre, poetry and cabaret you’re after Twonketta is the complete package; singing, dancing, a touch of burlesque, no turn un-stoned. It’s rumoured the Royal (Ballet) are on the waiting list for one of her weekend workshops. To this year’s plot; the fairies are trying to move the fun fair to a swamp (in Tallahassee, obvs), giving them the opportunity to reclaim their enchanted valley. Somehow related to this are Tim Horsepiss, a rat-catching cat without the required skillset, an overdressed Chris Hutchison nursing his failing eyes and lower jaw. Shaky’s there, his muse Cicciolina and their resourceful offspring Tutti Cnutti (AKA Toots) successfully pulling off a spectacular heist to accrue more mats for the Helter skelter. The Great Dictator played a short cameo; the full performance may well be available at a Wetherspoons near you soon. Amongst all this there’s still time to celebrate Waltzer Sue’s birthday and listen to some found audio footage of Joe Meek’s last hours.
The front rows loved this. A couple at the back had clearly walked into the wrong show. What’s not in doubt is that the surreality and subversion is as vital as ever. And very funny. There are thousands of shows at hundreds of venues in Edinburgh during August; you will definitely not find anything like this anywhere else.
Running August 6th – 30th (not 17th or 24th) https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/twonkey-s-soft-december-night-in-tallahassee
Reviewer: Roger Jacobs
Reviewed: 16th August 2026
North West End UK / Theatre Muse UK Rating: