Review: GIRLZ (Edinburgh Fringe)

GIRLZ is currently playing at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, and after reading the description, I was keen to review it. There have been shows on TV and stage about the formation of bands before, but would this one follow similar lines? There was only one way to find out.

In the queue we were handed information on when you can video or take photographs (oh, how I wish every show I saw gave such clarity!). With a flyer and a wristband to take away, it’s a fun concept. The encouragement to share footage of the concert parts of the show was emphasised once again when we were seated before the production began.

The story is about the formation of a new band, which is comprised of Nicky (Meggie Hughes), Alex (Tamara Tare), Jaz (Zoe Antoniou), Kim (Daniella Mirels) and Charlie (Abigail Wiltshire). Every one of these performers is a triple threat of the highest standard, the harmonies they create are gorgeous and the choreography (Simone Mistrey-Palmer) is also engaging throughout, not only during the dancing but also when the band are posing at the end of their performances. But this show is more than just about the band itself, as each of the girls have their own lives going on outside of the rehearsal and performance spaces and these are brought to the forefront during the show.

As one may expect, there is a sleazy, arrogant manager – Dan Cashman - at the helm, who tries to impress the five girls with his obviously fake phonecalls with A-list celebrities.  Lee Docherty plays this role brilliantly, almost with a hint of caricature, but this works well as he’s the one we love to hate. Interestingly, although his many women are mentioned he only makes one failed attempt to charm one of the band members and this was refreshing as it would have been easy to imagine him trying his luck with everyone in turn.  Instead, to our girls he is more of a pushy manager and also reluctant to hand over any money or support. Unpleasantness played to perfection.

Nicky’s partner, Adam (Tomas Baines), is a struggling musician himself. His solo is performed with precision (and guitar) and the change of tone adds interest to the show, in addition to the situation that he and Nicky find themselves in.

The interactions of Dan and Adam with the band give rise to multiple story arcs, and this is a strength in the show. With multiple subplots, and a couple of really significant twisty plot points, the writing takes this from a pleasant pop musical to a show to look out for.

Due to the nature of the current run of Girlz being at the Fringe, the settings are mostly created by projections (Matt Powell). This effect is slightly distracting as you can see the projections on the performers at times as well as in the background, but this is a minor point and the images do make it easy to imagine the show reset on a larger stage with a full set. Director Katy Weir ensures the stage is fully used, with everyone in the audience being afforded the sense of being included, especially during the concert scenes.

The abridged version of GIRLZ currently showing at Edinburgh Festival Fringe is 65 minutes long whereas the full musical is 100 minutes long. I personally would love to see the full version next.

This production has potential to become a big success on a much larger scale.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The photos in this review are my own. Please credit if you share them anywhere.

GIRLZ is showing at Edinburgh Festival Fringe at Doonstairs, Guilded Balloon Patter House, until 30 August 2026. You can buy a ticket here.

If you would like to see my curtain call photographs from this and other shows, please visit my Instagram. (Curtain call photos of this show to follow shortly)

I was gifted a ticket for this show in exchange for an honest review.