With the aid of Stewart Lee

Rosie Holt has written a new satirical political play, with the aid of Stewart Lee.

Churchill’s Urinal is based on the true story of Rachel Reeves becoming the first female Chancellor of the Exchequer and discovering a urinal in her office – which could not be moved as it was of historical value.

Holt – known for her portrayal of a fake Tory MP online – also plays the fictional politician in this show, which at the King’s Head Theatre, in Islington, North London, from May 13.

The fringe venue’s newly announced programme also includes a musical from Luisa Omielan, based on her stand-up show God Is A Woman, and which asks the question: Imagine if the Bible had been translated by a woman? Opening, aptly or provocatively, on Good Friday, the show runs for just seven nights. (Tickets)

Churchill’s Urinal was previously performed as a reading at the tiny Shedinburgh venue at last year’s Edinburgh Fringe, as Chortle reported at the time, but this is its first proper production. 

Blurb from the show reads: ‘Freshly installed in 11 Downing Street, a fearless female Chancellor of the Exchequer is determined to get rid of the ancient urinal in her grace-and-favour en-suite.

‘Intrigue overflows into outrage when it transpires that the porcelain was first tinkled on by that undying icon of Britishness, Winston Churchill. Soon, the whole nation has a view on this storm in a pisspot. 

‘Join us for this rambunctious romp through the corridors of power and discover whether our fearless Chancellor’s grip on her Budget red box can survive the clamour for her Whitehall washroom to be awarded a Blue Plaque.’ 

Churchill, who was Chancellor between 1924 and 1929, is likely to have been one of the first to use the urinal in the real life No11. Reeves – who joked that her political mission was to ‘smash glass ceilings and urinals’– wanted it removed or covered up, but baulked at the £6,000 cost of the work. Instead civil servants suggested a cheaper alternative: putting a pot plant in front of it.

Lee  is credited with providing additional material for the new play, which will be directed by Dan Clarkson. He is known for Potted Potter, and Potted Panto, and for previously directing Holt in The Crown Live, which also played the King’s Head.

The new season also includes Rowling In It, a satirical monologue from Laura K Bailey about her experiences playing  J.K. Rowling in the controversial 2024 Edinburgh Fringe play Terf. 

Sofi Berenger, chief executive of the theatre said: ‘We’re incredibly proud to be championing so many brilliant female and funny voices in this season, alongside artists who are using comedy and satire to take on big political and social ideas.

‘These shows are sharp, provocative, joyful and unafraid. Work that will make you laugh first and think later (or sometimes both at once). They are welcomed additions to our season, it’s going to be full of bold storytelling and we can’t wait to share it.’

Published: 13 Feb 2026