Since the UK made the decision to Brexit, it has become far more difficult for migrants to make a life in Britain. Presenting the pitfalls in the style of Eurovision-meets-Miss-World, Miss Brexit is a heartfelt political satire that showcases the harsh realities with wit and humour.
What does it take for young migrants to survive and thrive in a place that no longer makes them feel welcome? This satirical musical pits four wannabes against each other in a contest to claim the crown. But what must they give up in order to win? Who will spill the proverbial tea?
The piece begins as our MC (George Berry) bounds on to the stage, high energy from the outset and full of charm. He introduces the contestants, all with the first name Maria: Miss Catalonia (Alba Villaitodo), Miss Portugal (Ricardo Ferreira), Miss Spain (Shivone Dominguez Blascikova) and Miss Switzerland (Maxence Marmy). The combat commences, and two contenders immediately have to face off. The audience is made complicit as the first elimination follows, an uncomfortable fact that reminds us that we all have our part to play.
Each of the aspiring Brits has a short time to plead their case, which is conveyed through song, dance and small vignettes. Berry’s MC keeps the show moving forward, dry and witty with hilarious asides. He maintains his peppy persona but introduces a darker element, underscoring the cruel nature of the beauty pageant format. The rest of the cast share tales of loneliness and isolation, battles with brain-draining beaurocracy, and a harrowing case of modern day slavery. Ferreira brings a beautiful moment of real sincerity to his story, amplified by his clear voice and strong falsetto. Meanwhile, Marmy performs the show’s stand-out number with clarity of purpose and impressive vocals.
Co-directors Alejandro Postigo and Amaia Mugica play with opposites throughout, from pitting the diminutive Villaitodo against the statuesque Dominguez Blascikova in a vigorous bilingual number, to the use of contrasting musical styles at other key moments. The concept is strong, and the performances adept, but there are times when the flashback sequences become a little too convoluted. The cast are very likeable, and their stories compelling, but the overall piece would benefit from being slicker and more pointed.
There is a “choose your own adventure” element to Miss Brexit that draws the audience into the performance, using the gameshow format to examine the experience of navigating a now more “hostile environment”. Underscored by implicit (or explicit) colonialism and xenophobia, this is a meaningful piece by those who have experienced the absurd UK immigration system first hand.
By Deborah Klayman
Miss Brexit plays at Underbelly Bristo Square, Edinburgh until August 24th, 2025.
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