Tucked away in an old vault cellar within the George The Forth Bridge you will find this wee gem of a show. Crudi Dench takes to the stage with some “celebrity friends” (spoiler, you are the celebrity friends) to run a help line show. Taking in calls from for those looking for a little assistance and somewhat (although this bits up for debate) working to help those callers.
Whilst Crudi’s methods may be a little unorthodox and bizarre and absolutely unhelpful to the cause, they do succeed in thoroughly entertaining her audience.
Crudi is a huge personality, her laughter is infectious and even as a disembodied voice from time to time, she still has her audience in the palm of her hands. As with most drag performances there is a heavy reliance on sexual and flirty humour however, even if that was stripped away, Crudi Dench would still be a crowd winner, demonstrating the skill of a very talented and charismatic comic.
Whilst fun and games for the first while, the show does take a surprisingly sentimental turn, with Crudi allowing herself to be vulnerable, highlighting the impostor syndrome acquired when taking up art forms such as drag.
With a simple, yet effective set up, using projection and bursts of sound, Crudi is able to be the real star of the show.
It should be noted that this show relies heavily on audience participation, a factor that could really make or break the show. Come prepared to get involved and just go with it, whether than requires resisting delicious dairy snacks or taking up art for the next big blockbuster fail. The show relies on filling seats which may be a problem on quieter shows.
Overall, this is a definitely a show you should consider adding to your fringe list, especially if you fancy a really good laugh.
Crudi Dench: Someone Help Her! Is on at Underbelly Cowgate, Iron Belly at 20:10 from the 5th-30th (excluding 17th,24th). Tickets can be purchased via Crudi Dench: Someone Help Her! | Edinburgh Festival Fringe
Reviewer: Beth Eltringham
Reviewed: 12th August 2026
North West End UK / Theatre Muse UK Rating:
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