Fringe 2025 – Edinburgh actor returns home with solo show
The Carlisle-based performer, who graduated with First Class Honours in Acting (Creative Performance Practice) in 2023, aims to create bold, original work that tackles difficult subjects with both humour and heart.
'SH*T SHOW!' follows Jessica, a character who struggles with therapy and her own tendency to overshare with strangers. The production is described as 'a darkly comic exploration of what happens when you're forced to confront the worst thing that ever happened to you – and discover that the person you are afterwards might be someone worth fighting for.'
Marper, who also studied HND in Musical Theatre at MGA Academy of Performing Arts, has built an impressive portfolio since graduating. She has toured the UK and internationally with Theatre in Education shows including 'Hope', 'How are You?' and 'During the War'. Her versatility as a performer has also been showcased through UK pantomime tours of 'Oliver', 'Cinderella' and 'Jack and the Beanstalk'.
A work-in-progress version of the show debuted at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2024, receiving positive feedback and encouraging Marper to further develop the show.
Working alongside dramaturg and director Poppy Rowan, with sound by Tom Marper, Kathryn has created what she describes as 'an unflinching, funny, and ultimately hopeful look at survival, healing, and the messy business of being human – a story that every woman will recognise.'
In June, SH*T SHOW! had a successful run at Fringe Theatrefest Barnstaple receiving glowing reviews from both critics and audiences. The Fringe Theatrefest Blog described it as 'a furious feminist tour de force,' while audience members have praised it as 'powerful, impactful, raw, entertaining' and 'heartbreakingly hilarious, genius and important.'
The production comes with a content warning as it deals with serious issues including sexual assault, mental health and violence, but Marper's approach combines raw honesty with dark comedy to create a piece that audiences have found both moving and empowering.
'SH*T SHOW!' will be performed at Carbon (Room 3), 208 Cowgate, Edinburgh, daily at 7:55pm (except Mondays) from 2nd to 24th August as part of PBH's Free Fringe. The 55-minute show offers Edinburgh audiences the chance to see a powerful piece of theatre that addresses important contemporary issues while celebrating the resilience of the human spirit.
For a local performer returning to her roots, bringing such a personal and impactful show to the Edinburgh Fringe represents both a homecoming and a bold artistic statement about the power of theatre to explore our most challenging experiences with courage and hope.
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