It’s 24th August 79 C.E. and Mount Vesuvius is about to blow destroying the whole of Pompeii… or is it? Our City Mayor seems to be saying otherwise, it’s just a little…. “grey hail” is all, absolutely nothing to worry ourselves with.
Fishing4chips are back at the fringe with a whole new play about Pompeii, armed with a team of just 4 actors multi-rolling for their lives, they have produced a very funny and very fast paced show.
Greeted by the town crier (Sean Wareing), we are led into a local meeting to discuss the current state of affairs within Pompeii and given plenty of opportunity to voice our opinions (warning this show is heavily reliant on audience participation). Once the meeting has begun, we are introduced to many a strange and wonderful character, including those in the audience who didn’t know that they would be a part of the magic too. Freddie Walker, Elinor Solly and Yasmine Meaden appear from the various audience entrances as local farmers, protesters, mimes, bakers, elderly couples and many many more, changing costume accessories in record timings. All four actors shift relentlessly from character to character, accent to accent and stature to stature remarkably, showing their true versatility as actors and natural comedic talents.
The meeting progresses with the introduction of our Mayor (Meaden) who takes her form as the stereotypical upper class politician type. She exclaims that the volcano will not blow, endorses shady products and avoids telling the truth as much as possible. Whilst this show is written for comedic purposes the mayor role really does give a good jab at how our politicians today behave.
There is of course a risk when creating a comedy based on a major tragedy within history, the line between satire and distaste can be thin however Fishing4chips have managed to create a fun loving show that doesn’t poke fun at the tragedy but instead explores those alive before it and the absurdity of a volcano erupting and those in charge doing nothing about it despite the many signs.
I thoroughly enjoyed the show and commend the tenacity of its performers. We had a very varied audience of different age demographics who all seemed to equally applaud the show and it’s definitely one to add to your fringe list if you enjoy audience participation and a good laugh. There are no hard hitting moments designed to pull on your heart strings nor no epic plots for you to follow just silly goofy fun.
It’s Gonna Blow plays at The Pleasance Dome, Queen Dome at 1pm every day until 24th August (perfectly landing on the anniversary of the tragedy). Buy tickets at It’s Gonna Blow! | Edinburgh Festival Fringe
Reviewer: Beth Eltringham
Reviewed: 17th August 2025
North West End UK Rating: