August 31, 2025 
EdFringeReview
Ah, the Middle Ages: land of court jesters, raw sewage, tonsured monks, and the odd unicorn or two. As popular culture swings more towards the raw sewage aspect of the period instead of the unicorns, it’s remarkably refreshing to find the unabashedly silly Off With Your Head!, comedian Sam See’s roleplaying comedy show. Instead of packing themselves into a crowded bar cellar, the comedian deftly guides the audience back in time, to a world of jousting, dragons, and rats — so many rats.See emphasises his love for tabletop roleplaying from the off, and the show makes no secret of its drawing inspiration from Dungeons and Dragons, or even the virtual Reigns. The format is simple: two guests—hailing from either the comic or the gaming world—are summoned onstage to try their hand at playing monarch. Unfortunately, the kingdom they have been sent to govern is under a dreadful curse: no ruler has ever lasted longer than twelve months, dying (and thus vacating the throne) by either becoming too popular or not popular enough (fame is a fickle mistress). This curse translates to in-game mechanics through a popularity-ometer projected onto a tv screen: if it drops under one or above fifteen, our mighty monarch dies.The reigning ruler wins and loses favour through a series of wacky situations described by Stephen Case (who also runs the TV screen— a very important job). The ruler must decide how they will react to the problem, helped along by See, their fellow guest, and the audience. When the course of action is set, the audience cheers or boos, and the exact amount their popularity rises and falls is determined by a role of the virtual dice.It’s actually (despite the wall of text) quite simple. But it’s the people in the room who make Off With Your Head! a delight. Quick-witted See excels at improvisation, capable of turning audience suggestions that range from mild to left field into ripe comedy—all while simultaneously keeping the group at ease. The guests, though they change nightly (all the more reason to come back!), were creative, charismatic, and eager at our show. And the audience itself plays a series a character—in almost every scenario faced by the rulers, See calls on one or more viewers to contribute ideas, contribute sound effects, or even play a part. Two nights vying for the queen’s attention? The pulsing echoes of a Soundcloud rapper’s mixes? A herd of ravaging emus? All of that and more were found at my show. The friendly atmosphere of the room is, even for Fringe, unparalleled: everyone is involved, and everyone is having the time of their (medieval) lives. Whenever it’s time to role the d8, d12, or even the dreaded d20, the entire audience holds their breath—no one wants to be rid of the monarch, and therefore end the fun.To make things even better, Off With Your Head! is part of Free Fringe, which means even monks sworn to a vow of poverty can afford it. However, donating to support the show will net you a nifty pin (mine says ‘slay, queen’, which is exactly what the sea monster I played during the show did). With the non-existent entry cost, plenty of laughs, and all-around fun, Off With Your Head! might just be the most delightful show at the Fringe. Click Here For Review