⭐⭐⭐⭐
5 – 30 August (NOT 11)
Extra performance: 24th at 11:30am
Doonstairs, Gilded Balloon Patter Hoose
14:25 (60 minutes)
🎤 A pop‑powered story of fame, friendship, and finding your voice
Girlz returns to the Fringe with a fresh lineup, a punchy 60‑minute runtime, and a soundtrack that leans confidently into the world of pop. It’s vibrant, emotional, and packed with girlband energy — a show that knows exactly what it wants to say, even if the shortened format occasionally rushes the journey.
🎶 A soundtrack built for the pop stage
The pop numbers are where Girlz truly shines. They’re catchy, high‑energy, and reminiscent of the golden era of Spice Girls‑style girlband dominance. Some of the other musical styles feel slightly mismatched, but when the show leans into its pop identity, it becomes electric.
Alex’s emotional solos are a standout — beautifully written, performed with raw vulnerability, and delivered with powerhouse vocals that cut straight through the noise.
There were some sound‑mixing issues during group numbers; even from the front row, the harmonies were difficult to hear. It’s a shame, because the vocal blend is gorgeous when it comes through clearly.
💃 Choreography & Girlband Energy
The choreography in the girlband numbers is fun, sharp, and full of personality. It captures the essence of a rising pop group — the confidence, the sparkle, and the chaos of performing under pressure. Together, these performers genuinely feel like a fully fledged girlband.
📖 A story of fame, pressure, and the cost of perfection
The plot follows five girls thrown together to form a new girlband, navigating the highs of success and the lows of fame. Nicky acts as our narrator, guiding us through the band’s rise and what happens when the spotlight becomes too bright. Her vocal storytelling is heartfelt, and you feel every emotion she carries.
Jaz and Kim bring brilliant comedic chemistry, delivering one‑liners and chaotic energy that lift the show’s lighter moments. Charlie shines in her country‑inspired solo — a refreshing stylistic shift that suits her voice perfectly.
The show tackles difficult themes: substance abuse, mental health, and exploitation within the industry. These storylines are handled with dignity and honesty, never shying away from the harsh realities. However, in a condensed 60‑minute format, these emotional arcs feel rushed and deserve more space to breathe.
Lee Docherty delivers a perfectly unsettling performance as Dan Cashman — the sleazy, charming band manager whose villainy grows as the story unfolds.
👑 Cast & Characters
Meggie Hughes — Nicky
Tamara Tare — Alex
Zoe Antoniou — Jaz
Daniella Mirels — Kim
Abigail Wiltshire — Charlie
Tomas Baines — Adam
Lee Docherty — Dan Cashman
✨ Final Thoughts
Girlz has you laughing and crying in equal measure. It’s bold, heartfelt, and bursting with something to say. Even with its pacing challenges, it’s a show that deserves to be heard — and one that leaves you thinking long after the final note.
Written by Suzzi Hirst
@suzzisspotlight
*media accredited
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