Review by Natalia Milne. Venue 166. Ian McKellen Theatre, Saint Stephens, Stockbridge.

★★★★☆

Bimini Bon Boulash: “You’ve just got to try and have a PMA.”

Lawrence Chaney: “What the fuck is a PMA?”

Bimini Bon Boulash: “Positive mental attitude”

Lawrence Chaney: “Get fucked!”

This exchange between Bimini Bon Boulash and Lawrence Chaney on Series 2 of Ru Paul’s Drag Race UK really cemented her as a Scottish icon in my eyes. In a few sentences she managed to encapsulate the sort of humour that I think is quintessentially Scottish: It is sweary, gruff and cuts through the bullshit, or faff if you will, (and I will). After becoming the first Scottish (and plus-size) winner of the hugely popular show, her career has skyrocketed, and she is now doing a show at the Edinburgh Fringe – all this at the tender age of 26.

Lawrence sweeps out onto the stage lip-syncing to Juice by Lizzo, whilst wearing a bright orange Irn-Bru dress – the show has well and truly started! What follows is an hour of lip-sync numbers and stand-up comedy…

She announces that she is overweight and over it. Not over being overweight, but over society’s reactions to this. She is happy with how she looks and is ready to push the fat agenda. Lawrence covers topics like dating and the awkwardness that can come with travel and having to ask for a seatbelt extender. It is clear to see that talking about this on stage is cathartic for Lawrence. She is also very proud to be Scottish, and this is a feature of the show, but she does not fall into the trap of becoming a caricature. She is unapologetically and authentically herself and does not try to make herself more palatable. You take her as she is, or you can walk out of the door.

One of the most notable moments (of Lawrence’s episodes) on Ru Paul’s Drag Race was the challenge that involved writing a verse to the song Bing Bang Bong. If you haven’t heard it give it a listen; it is a certified bop. And If you are familiar with it (and I’ve brought it to your attention again) then it has probably ear-wormed the chorus back into your brain! Lawrence’s verse includes the line “can’t sing or dance but I’m so witty.” She knows her strengths and is able to play to them.

If you are a fan of drag that includes splits and flips and tricks you might be disappointed. Lawrence is true to the roots of the UK drag scene and focuses on comedy. The crowd was enthusiastic and everyone seemed to be beaming as they left. I am excited to see what she does next.