Shows About Her Majesty Elizabeth I, II or Victoria at Edinburgh Fringe 2024

Queen

A found-footage-esque show focused on Queen Victoria getting a picture of who the woman was outside of the spotlight. Wearing the crown is not as easy as it seems.

From the description: "The only Empress Queen, a model for the modern monarchy, Victoria is a prism through which the entire Crown can be seen. Using her own words from journals and letters and diaries, the play was a world-wide success for 28 years starring Prunella Scales, who features in newly-recorded voiceover made for this adaptation. It truly reveals how someone in a position so totally unlike anyone else’s can be un-self-confident, proud, possess wide human sympathies, fall in love, grieve and foster a deep sense of alone-ness."

Aug 1-11, 13-25

Assembly Rooms - Drawing Room

13:00 - 14:00

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QUEENS

Turning real-life Queens into Drag Queens is one of the best genres at Fringe! Bringing together Elizabeth I and Mary Stuart, through a time travel, multiverse-esque adventure. Sounds like a Marvel movie in the RPCU (Ru Paul Cinematic Universe).

From the description: "Mary Stuart and Elizabeth I return as undead, washed-up drag queens when a powerful force opens the gates to the present. Together with Penthesilea and Valkyrie, they have lived in limbo for centuries, ruling over various sub- and parallel worlds. As they grapple with their shared history and enduring patriarchal power structures, the idea of a joint rule emerges."

Aug 13-18, 20-25

Summerhall - Main Hall

21:15 - 22:15

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Elizabeth I: In Her Own Words

Similar to Queen showcasing Victoria's letters, this show showcases Elizabeth I. Learn who the real person was, good and bad, in her own words. I feel like in 100 years, we are going to get shows like this showcasing people Twitter accounts. From the description: "Intrigue. Betrayal. Unconsummated love. Danger. Step into the world of Elizabeth I as she navigates the stormy waters of late 16th-century England. Ascending the English throne in a vibrant but turbulent time, she was a brilliant and canny stateswoman, politician, and ruler whose own letters provide a captivating peek into her inner thoughts, desires, heartaches, fears, doubts, and joys. Intertwined with speeches from the plays of Shakespeare, the letters of the Virgin Queen paint a unique portrait of this remarkable and complex woman."

Aug 2-3, 5-10, 12-17

theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall - Haldane Theatre

13:55 - 14:45

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The Old Queen's Head

Coming out to your mom is an absolutely monumental task, but what about a bust of Queen Elizabeth II? Honestly, just read the description. This sounds genuinely hilarious.

From the description: "Who's your go to? Your ride or die? Your best friend? Your mum? Not David. His is the late Queen Elizabeth II, obviously. Listening to Lizzie has always kept David safe. Until now. Having tasted the sweet nectar of queer life, David stands at a crossroads. In the face of a brutal break-up, David is forced to question a lifetime's advice to never be 'too much, too obvious, too different'. Will David follow his inner voice or heed the guidance of his royal confidant? Only one Queen can prevail."

Jul 31, Aug 1-22 Assembly George Square - The Box

13:00 - 14:00

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Regina Vagina

Hmm. So we have shows following the letters from past Queens understanding their mind, worries, but what about their sex life? This show digs in a little deeper.

From the description:

"Was Queen Elizabeth I really a virgin? Was the Spanish Armada lead by a giant inflatable penis? How good was Mary Queen of Scots' head game? Find out in this surprisingly accurate (horrible histories inspired) musical comedy. Join us on an in depth exploration of the folds of a woman who's been documented as much for her body and sexuality as her actual achievements and success."

Aug 17-25

PBH's Free Fringe @ CC Blooms - CC Blooms

13:45 - 14:45