She’s Behind You, a Johnny McKnight script and a John Tiffany direction, is a seasonal yet contemplative dive into the world of pantomime. In a co-production between the Traverse Theatre and the National Theatre of Scotland, the play grabs the art form’s sense of enjoyment while nipping at its deeper cultural importance.
From the moment McKnight—portraying his alter ego character, Dorothy Blawna-Gale—appeared on stage, the audience was mesmerized. The laughter was almost continuous, with spontaneous applause in rhythm to music and dance. Audience participation was a whopping 100%, with bystanders caught up in the infectious energy from start to finish.
Visually, the production dazzled. Bright, sparkly, and totally immersive, the lighting and stage design contributed both to the comedy and to the sentimental moments. McKnight’s performance reached into the conventions and history of pantomime, celebrating its anarchic joy but not shying away from criticising its historical complicity with misogyny, racism, and homophobia.
The result was a piece that was as amusing as it was insightful—a subtle balance of biting commentary and pure entertainment that is rarely realized. The result was a visually striking performance, well deserving of the standing ovation it got. She’s Behind You is a celebration and a re-working of pantomime, and it has you laughing and thinking in equal measure.
She’s Behind You, Runs until 24th August at Traverse Theatre with tickets available at
https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/venues/traverse-theatre
Reviewer: Saira Kunjuvalappil (Saira ks)
Reviewed: 14th August 2025
North West End UK Rating: