Roger Prick review: An exceptionally fun and filthy drag king show
Edinburgh Fringe
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Edinburgh Fringe 〰️
Image: Rosen Stanley Greengrass
by Zoe Paskett
You’ll know Roger Prick as the esteemed pornographer and author of the Guy Blokeman novels. You’ll know him from his beverage line, Roger Prick’s Hand Shandies. Maybe you saw him posing as the first male centrefold in Playboy (naughty!). But that was then (70s), and this is now (2026). Times have changed and the things he used to write are no longer acceptable.
Character comedian Han Whyte’s drag persona welcomes us to the launch of his new book and a relaunch of his previous works now adapted to be more feminist – at least in his eyes. With the help of drawings and maps, he takes the audience back to the grimy streets of Sexopolis (Soho), all sex shops, and handsy tailors, and erotic poetry emporiums.
A super talented artist as well as a very funny comedian, Han has handmade every prop: Roger’s back catalogue of novels, a family tree, a multi-purpose ouija board and more, even engaging the audience in some interactive live drawing. That’s just one part of an exceptionally fun and filthy show that uses its audience to full effect, but has the framework of really strong writing that keeps everything tightly held together.
At first an objectionable character, we dive into his history and meet a man with a passion for language and a desire to be loved. One of the great things about drag king-ing is the possibility to imagine a different outlook for the types of men who don’t seem to possess any desire to redeem themselves. The best drag kings go deep enough into their characters to look at them sympathetically, no matter how irredeemable they may originally appear, showing us a view of masculinity that’s very different from the real life men they are based upon.
Don’t get me wrong, Roger’s still a Prick, but an ever-so-slightly evolved one. You can see just enough of Han underneath Roger’s coy smile, raised eyebrow and sideways glance, to make sure you’re rooting for him and laughing at him in equal measure. What a show!
Roger Prick: Sexopolis is at Underbelly Cowgate, Jelly Belly, 18:55 (not 18th, 25th). Tickets here
“This is one of those totally unique late night Fringe shows that will see you leave wondering, did that just happen? Did I and a whole bunker of people just spank each other silly on command? The answer is yes. Willingly, in fact.”
“Character comedian Han Whyte’s drag persona welcomes us to the launch of his new book and a relaunch of his previous works now adapted to be more feminist – at least in his eyes.”
“A show that unpacks this odd existence with equal measures of absurdity and tenderness, emphatically queer, both extremely funny and bittersweet.”
“God’s Favourite is an intense and inspired hour, bound by a combination of zippy writing and a faith in the show’s journey, which the audience shares in wholeheartedly.”
“This debut clown show is more than skin deep, as Maya mines her former life as a telenovela actress to investigate the pressures of remaining youthful, hyper-feminine and emotionally palatable. “
“Sexy baby, harangued ex-wife to a deadbeat genius, male growth plot device… How far have we come really?”
“Her characters provide a showcase for her wide-ranging comedic abilities and allow plenty of space to play”
“The immediate standing ovation that met Mothman’s curtain call came as no surprise. This is the type of show you’ll leave feeling like you need to see it again.”
“She’s dynamic and natural on stage, a simultaneously high-powered and relaxed stand-up.”
Getting to see Cooking With Kathryn is the perfect example of a welcome Fringe surprise – someone new to me and the Fringe, who has created something that fully reflects its anarchic, messy spirit. An absolute riot.
Gross in some places, soft in others, raucously fun all the way through. It’s a clown show that fully celebrates the joy of playing around. At every opportunity, Su takes the wilder option and runs with it.
Like the skirt suit she’s in search of, Baby Doomer is woven from honeyed threads. She wears both wonderfully. Can you plausibly call someone one of the greats this early in their career?
Marjolein’s perspective is a gift and Lein is another hypnotic, lyrical piece of work, and as funny as ever. Even if we haven’t all watched nuns trampolining in Amsterdam, being lost is a universal feeling.
I love all of it. Ayoade Bamgboye has the freshness of a new comedian performing without rules or restrictions. You truly have no idea what she might do next, and she makes it appear like she doesn’t either. It’s thrilling.
There are few people more naturally suited to the job at hand. Molly McGuinness’s debut Slob flows out of her with seemingly effortless dexterity.
I’ve been hearing rumblings of Ayo’s talent for a while and it’s immediately obvious why, both to me and this sold out crowd. His ease on stage, his delightful, sunny disposition and winning earnestness all combine to endear you to him straight away.
I could have watched endless iterations of couples (and throuples) galavant in different costumes around the attic – I lost all sense of time and never wanted to leave.
Her debut show is ticking all my boxes. Musical theatre. Check. Anxiety. Check. Feeling so much gratitude for your lovely therapist that you want to send them a gift but don’t know if it’s appropriate (it’s probably not). Check!
Sharon’s wellness tips are much more usable e.g. drink so much water to stave off your anxiety that you nearly piss yourself, scientology, bring back fortune tellers…
Rosa is quickly covered in slime – there’s one delightful moment after it has been poured where it looks like a lovely latex beret balancing over their fringe, then oozes down and hangs in a big globule off of one eyebrow.
This debut is going to bring in a good helping of the validation he craves. Pedro’s comedy is smooth, structured and sophisticated. He was made for the West End, but only the West’s most high-brow End
