She's back !!! TWONKETTA THAT IS !!!!

And just as well – because a Fringe without one of Twonkey's fabulous phantasmagorical

creations would be like Edinburgh without the Castle.

The most spellbinding tales to come out of Scotland's capital do not concern themselves with mere wizardry, but transport audiences to “wonderlands of weird” (The Scotsman)

For sixteen years Twonkey has carved a daily hour of magic out of Edinburgh's Fringe : a collection of magic moments, strung together with an enthusiastic fragility.

Definitely not sense, but certainly not nonsense, a Twonkey show takes us beyond the bounds of normal logic and reality to a place where the ridiculous is real and the narrative dances to a symphony of sheer silliness.

Think that sounds fanciful ?

Just come and see the show.

This year, from the swirling depths of Twonkey's abidingly unique imagination, comes

Twonkey's Soft December Night in Tallahassie , starring fan favourite Twonketta, fast becoming a true legend in her own lipstick. Her late and much lamented husband – Twonkey himself, would be so very proud of her.

We learn how this ex-siren, chanteuse and advocate for girls' toys came to be in charge of a fairground, to say nothing of chained to a lamp post.

With admirable lightness of touch (and frequently in song), we consider life and mortality, love and loss, and the importance of cleaning up after oneself.

There are no shows with a bigger heart than Twonkey's shows, and this year, as well as that big heart we are treated to troublesome fairies, a Joe Meek tribute and a Tiny Mein Fuhrer, as well as old friends like Chris and delightful new ones like Toots and Sue.

It is always tricky – some might say pointless - to try to sum up a Twonkey show, but close personal friend of the late Twonkey, Paul Vickers says “there is a slight undercurrent of murder as a theme”. Which is a new departure and promises much excitement

Critics should be aware that they get a special mention in the exposition of that theme.

“His idiotic joy is infectious. He is a masterclass in play” Neurodiverse Review

“The thing is : it's brilliant” Broadway Baby

“Artistry and eccentricity combine” Chortle

“Take that leap of faith, and the dreamlike scenario he sets out in his very distinctive way makes a lasting, haunting impression.” Steve Bennett Chortle

“I don't know if anyone has noticed, but I have actually got better.” Paul Vickers

Winner of Malcolm Hardee Award for Comic Originality.

Last years Twonkey's Zip Wire to Zanzibar was in the top 10% of most favourable reviewed shows in the comedy selection.

August 18, 2026    North West End

You will definitely not find anything like this anywhere else.

Other than the closing line of one of Twonketta’s musical interludes, there was no ‘Soft’, ‘December’, ‘Night’ or ‘Tallahassee’. Of course there wasn’t. Welcome to the Twonkey-sphere. Or Twonko-verse. Or, since the unceremonious, Ziggy S-style curtailment of Twonkey’s career a couple of years back, maybe the Twonketta-sphere? Some are starting to question the story about the tin of condensed milk, sensing the hallmarks of a particularly ruthless boardroom takeover. Still, Twonketta feigns such remorse that we accept, attend and note that most of the backing props and puppets have moved on too. With gusto they set about this adventure, a complex chilli-spiced grapefruit, designed to give most professional chefs a seizure. One which the Marvel franchise can only dream of. So, hold on… tight!

If it’s comedy, musical theatre, poetry and cabaret you’re after Twonketta is the complete package; singing, dancing, a touch of burlesque, no turn un-stoned. It’s rumoured the Royal (Ballet) are on the waiting list for one of her weekend workshops. To this year’s plot; the fairies are trying to move the fun fair to a swamp (in Tallahassee, obvs), giving them the opportunity to reclaim their enchanted valley. Somehow related to this are Tim Horsepiss, a rat-catching cat without the required skillset, an overdressed Chris Hutchison nursing his failing eyes and lower jaw. Shaky’s there, his muse Cicciolina and their resourceful offspring Tutti Cnutti (AKA Toots) successfully pulling off a spectacular heist to accrue more mats for the Helter skelter. The Great Dictator played a short cameo; the full performance may well be available at a Wetherspoons near you soon. Amongst all this there’s still time to celebrate Waltzer Sue’s birthday and listen to some found audio footage of Joe Meek’s last hours.

The front rows loved this. A couple at the back had clearly walked into the wrong show. What’s not in doubt is that the surreality and subversion is as vital as ever. And very funny. There are thousands of shows at hundreds of venues in Edinburgh during August; you will definitely not find anything like this anywhere else. Click Here For Review