The Off-Broadway musical sensation Disenchanted! makes its UK professional premiere at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, bringing its irreverent, hilarious and empowering take on fairy tale royalty to the Pleasance at EICC.
Created by Dennis T. Giacino and Fiely Matias, this global hit musical has been delighting audiences for two decades, with productions spanning five continents. Now, in a bold new staging from The Production Garden and Lichfield Garrick, Disenchanted! arrives in Edinburgh with more bite, more sass and a fresh perspective on some of the world’s most famous princesses.
Forget happily ever after. In Disenchanted!, Cinderella has stopped cleaning, Sleeping Beauty is wide awake and Snow White is no longer content to wait in the wings. Instead, these iconic characters step into the spotlight to reclaim their stories, delivering showstopping numbers that challenge the traditional narratives they’ve been bound by for so long.
Led by a powerhouse cast including Eliza Bowden, Lois Glenister, Jewelle Hutchinson, Rosie Napper, Ashley New and Roshaan Saulnier, the production combines sharp comedy with dynamic musical performances, backed by a live band and packed with high-energy choreography.
With its blend of parody, pop-infused songs and spirited storytelling, Disenchanted! offers a fresh and fiercely funny take on the fairy tales audiences think they know. Beneath its comedic surface lies a message of empowerment and self-determination, as these reimagined princesses take control of their own narratives.
Dennis T. Giacino and Fiely Matias said, “We had our beginnings as artists showcasing our works at numerous Fringe fests around the globe. To now be part of the Mother of all Fringes is a fab dream come true. Fringe, with its focus on freedom of expression, is where we found our unique and unbridled brand of mischievous musical comedy.”
They continue, “We are uber-excited for audiences in Edinburgh to ‘Dis!-cover’ these rowdy royal renegades as they fringe-fully bippity-boppity belt out the no-holds-barred truth about happ’ly ever after. This is a plucky princess party that is anything but Grimm.”
Directed by Daniel Buckroyd, with choreography by Kayleigh Dettmer and musical direction by Joanne King, the show combines theatrical flair with a modern sensibility, delivering a production that is as visually vibrant as it is musically engaging.
With its cheeky humour, bold performances and infectious energy, Disenchanted! promises to be a standout musical of this year’s Fringe, inviting audiences to let their hair down, question tradition and embrace a new kind of happily ever after.
Disenchanted! runs at Pleasance at EICC (Pentland Theatre) from 5 – 30 August (not 12, 19 August) at Various Times. Tickets are on sale here
