Edinburgh Fringe comedy review

Lads! Lads! Lads! Crack out the Lynx Africa cos it’s stag do time, and we’re hitting the club with the other ‘vibiest legends’. Steve Porters, best man and Guildford’s leading iPod DJ is taking charge and he knows how to get the par-tee started.

Daisy Doris May’s drag alter-ego has been to the Fringe before with spoof TED talks about flirting and mating, but this time around he’s joined by two other characters: self-appointed Australian guru The Divine Karen Moonstone, and hardcore Berlin club legend Häns Off. But be in no doubt, Porters is the star of the show.

The crowd work is exceptional as May recruits punters to be the groom, his other best mates, the bouncer and more. Quite a lot is expected of them, but always in the spirit of play not humiliation, reflecting the fact May’s celebrating the Ritual of male bonding, not mocking them. 

She’s very encouraging of whatever turns the volunteers take  – several times she says ‘no one’s ever done that before!’, and her excitement at the consequences are infectious, especially after her hugely dynamic performance has energised the crowd.

The scripted segments are strong, too, as she does the ‘ladmin’ in prepping for the big night and gradually allows a sensitive side to peek out from behind the bravado. While Porters is not a million miles from other comedy creations such as  Simon Bodkin’s Lee Nelson alter-ego, May allows him to show some vulnerability in being lovelorn. At least until an Encounter in the smoking area opens up thrilling new prospects.

Her other characters can’t hope to compete with such a massively larger-than-life presence, but they’re fun nonetheless. Techno-loving Häns Off opens the show, a die-hard fashionista so ingrained in Berlin club culture that he was born in the queue for Berghain. 

He certainly looks the part, and exudes an aloof ‘don’t you know who I am?’ attitude, though he’s not drawn in half as much detail as Porters. Also, while we all know someone like Porters, Häns is a more distant parody, so doesn’t resonate so strongly.

But again May's crowdwork game is strong, with three ‘designers’ plucked from the crowd to create distinctive looks for three models, similarly chosen, using bin liners and tape. It’s a fun slice of chaos.

Offering some relative calmness between the manic boys, the Divine Karen Moonstone is a more familiar comedy archetype of the free spirit into all manner of alternative health and spiritual woo-woo. Think Gwyneth Paltrow but even less sane.

The point of difference is that she also leans into the ‘Karen’ part of her name, and is always ready with a withering Google review against all those who have wronged her.

Set on ridding the world of bad energy and awful men, this character is more willing to make audience members feel uncomfortable for the entertainment of others. But only for a moment.

For this is a show built on joy, primarily through Porters’ endless joie de vivre. He may not have much in the way of brains or possessions, but the simple activity of hanging out with the lads brings him happiness. Being part of his crew, even temporarily, will have the same effect on any audience.

• Chortle’s coverage of sketch and multi-character acts at the Edinburgh Fringe is supported by (but not influenced by) the Seven Dials Playhouse. Read more

Review date: 11 Aug 2025
Reviewed by: Steve Bennett
Reviewed at: Assembly George Square