Bold, brash and unapologetic, Acid’s Reign is a punchy queer musical about climate change, activism, and whether it is more important to stay true to your beliefs or to seek the biggest platform.
Initially set in 2019, accidental activist Alex Acid meets radical protester Ria Listic when they are both arrested at a climate demo. Seeing an opportunity, Alex agrees to form a performance group with Ria, taking them all the way to (the small stage at) Glastonbury. But like many arts companies, they start to have funding problems, increasing existing tensions and leading to unlikely alliances.
There is no arguing with the energy of this new musical: full of wit and camp it has been expertly written and scored. With book and lyrics by Evie Fehilly (and additional material by director Luke Howarth), the stage is set from the start of the rabble rousing opening number. There are some superb voices too, with Sé Carr/Jamie Fuxx and Gigi Zahir particularly noteworthy.
Howarth has staged the piece well, with stand out moments for each of the cast and slick scene changes where the passage of time is shown on their clothing. Sometimes there is a clash of styles, with some campier performances contrasting with the other actors’ moments of sincerity, but the piece still works as a whole and the narrative is extremely clear.
Scone seems to struggle with some of the vocals (it has been a long festival), but their characterisation is strong and the relationships with the other characters feels genuine. Meanwhile Zahir gives the stand-out performance, fully committed to the role in a way that is both genuine and engaging, with the heartfelt and superbly sung “When I’m Not Here” injecting real emotional depth into a mainly campy production. Carr/Fuxx showcases an exceptional voice, and his “Last Minute King” plus tap routine is a show-stopper. Ash Weir is comically serious as Olive Branch, with an incredibly pacey patter song, while Harlett plays a vivacious villain.
Backed by a live band and with strong writing, direction and performances, Acid’s Reign certainly delivers more than you might expect. It is a whole lot of fun, but while it doesn’t take itself too seriously the activism that sits at its core is on full display. With so much of drag being packaged and sold through mainstream TV, it is great to see that the sense of protest it came out of is still being shown on the stage.
By Deborah Klayman
Acid’s Reign plays at Pleasance Courtyard, Edinburgh until August 31st 2026.