If Disney ever collided with a psychological breakdown, the result might look something like ‘Princess Sparkles’. Lily Maryon’s debut solo show is gloriously unhinged, unapologetically absurd, and one of the most confidently bonkers princess character comedies I’ve seen in quite some time.
The premise is deceptively simple, Princess Sparkles is a princess-for-hire expecting a room full of excited five-year-olds. Instead, the audience becomes those children, willingly swept into an increasingly chaotic birthday party as reality slowly unravels beneath the glitter. Her repeated insistence that she is “definitely not a Disney princess”, something that is totally believable, only makes the comparison even funnier.
Maryon demonstrates remarkable command of the room throughout the hour. Solo shows live or die on audience engagement, and she never loses her grip. Instead, she steadily draws the audience further into the madness, encouraging participation with every new twist until a room full of adults are laughing with the uninhibited delight of primary school children. All the while, the humour veers into unexpectedly dark, deliciously inappropriate territory. It is this collision between sugary, pink, princess optimism and razor-sharp adult comedy that delivers the show’s biggest laughs.
What could easily descend into complete chaos is, in fact, meticulously controlled, and every awkward pause, escalating outburst and increasingly desperate attempt to preserve the fantasy feels carefully calibrated. Maryon’s physical comedy is superb, and her quick improvisational instincts, when working with a live audience, ensure that no two performances are ever likely to be the same.
Beneath the mayhem lies an impressively realised piece of theatre. This is far more than a string of comic set pieces, Maryon has created a fully formed character slowly coming apart at the seams, yet remaining utterly committed to ensuring everyone has “the best birthday ever.” It is both ridiculous and strangely compelling.
As a final preview before heading to the Edinburgh Fringe, Princess Sparkles already feels polished, distinctive and wonderfully eccentric. Lily Maryon has created a memorable comic creation that blends clowning, immersive theatre and controlled anarchy into an hour that is as inventive as it is hilarious. ‘Princess Sparkles’ may not be a Disney princess, but she could well become one of this year’s Fringe favourites!
Reviewer: Alan Stuart Malin
Reviewed: 11th July 2026
North West End UK Rating:
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