Walking into the intimate cabaret-style venue, it was immediately clear this was going to be more than just another musical. The red-carpet atmosphere, incredible outfits and buzzing queer crowd created the perfect backdrop for a show that celebrates community as much as it entertains.
Acid’s Reign bursts into life with a thunderous opening. Against a backdrop of activist posters, the cast launch into powerful harmonies about climate action, instantly drawing the audience into a world where drag, protest and cabaret collide. The energy never lets up.
Victoria Scone is outstanding as Alex Acid, commanding the stage with charisma, humour and vulnerability. From dazzling gold costumes to emotional solos, they effortlessly carry Alex’s journey from passionate activist to overnight celebrity, before reminding us that fame means little if you lose the people who matter most. Their innovative voicemail-style solo about missing Ria is beautifully written and genuinely moving.
The supporting cast are every bit as impressive. Ria delivers the emotional heart of the production with the breathtaking “When I’m Not Here in a Hundred Years,” a beautifully written song performed with such sincerity that the theatre fell completely silent before erupting into the biggest applause of the night. Olive’s astonishingly fast-paced “I Quit!” is a masterclass in articulation and acting, perfectly capturing anxiety and self-doubt through an extraordinary vocal performance. Micky brings effortless charm to “Last Minute King,” combining slick swing vocals, dazzling tap dancing and a goosebump-inducing high note that proves they are one of the production’s strongest musical performers. Dinah, meanwhile, steals countless laughs with razor-sharp one-liners, deliciously camp villainy and impeccable comic timing.
The original songs are consistently strong, moving seamlessly between heartfelt ballads, infectious cabaret numbers and full-scale musical theatre showstoppers. Choreography is slick throughout, particularly during the social media-inspired ensemble numbers, while the costume design deserves special praise—from punk-inspired caution tape outfits and dramatic PVC creations to glittering crowns and glamorous drag looks that make every scene visually exciting.
What impressed me most was how effortlessly the show balances comedy with meaningful storytelling. It hilariously pokes fun at corporate greenwashing, influencer culture, hashtags and media obsession while never losing sight of its central message: does the message survive when the spotlight arrives? The writing is clever, funny and refreshingly self-aware.
By the finale, I was completely invested in every character. Alex’s reconciliation with the group, the uplifting a cappella reunion and Ria’s perfectly timed final quip, “I knew you didn’t read books, Alex,” sent the audience out laughing before a well-deserved standing ovation.
Although Victoria Scone is a magnetic lead, this never feels like a one-person show. Every cast member has their own moment to shine, creating a genuine ensemble piece that reflects the community spirit at the heart of the story.
Packed with unforgettable songs, exceptional performances, laugh-out-loud comedy, inventive staging and a timely message, Acid’s Reign is one of the most original and uplifting new musicals I’ve seen. It left me wanting more and wondering what comes next for these characters—which is perhaps the greatest compliment I can give.
A fearless, hilarious and deeply heartfelt queer musical that deserves a long life beyond this run.
Review by Joanna Birch
Set between 2019 and the present day, the show follows a radical drag supergroup formed to tackle climate change whose ideals are put to the test when public interest fades, funding dries up and commercial success comes calling. Provocative, camp and fiercely entertaining, the musical explores activism, community and the power of performance through an unapologetically queer lens.
Alex Acid – Victoria Scone
Dinah Mite – Scarlett Harlett
Ria Listic – Gigi Zahir
Micky Steele – Sé Carr / Jamie Fuxx
Olive Branch – Ash Weir
Swing/ASM – Ariana Ortiz-Grace
Swing/ASM – Mikey Wooster
Book and Lyrics by Evie Fehilly with Additional Material by Luke Howarth
Music and Lyrics by Gabriel Chernick
From an original idea by James McDermott and Rob Ellis
Produced by Morag Davies for Relish Theatre
Directed by Luke Howarth
Musical Direction by Gabriel Chernick
ACID REIGN
Pleasance Theatre, 3 to 11 July 2026
Pleasance Courtyard at the Edinburgh Fringe, 5 to 31 August 2026
