Tessa Parr brings her striking new solo show I AM JOHNNY to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, transforming into the unforgettable character Johnny the Biblical Rapper for a bold exploration of masculinity and vulnerability.
Performed at Summerhall, the production introduces audiences to Johnny, a poetic and emotionally complex figure navigating the challenges of identity and self-expression. Through spoken word, humour and theatrical storytelling, Parr constructs a character who is both absurd and deeply human.
The show examines contemporary discussions around masculinity, class and emotional openness, offering a nuanced perspective shaped through a female-led creative voice. Parr’s approach balances confrontation with empathy, encouraging audiences to reflect on the expectations and pressures surrounding modern identity.
Blending surreal comedy with sharp political insight, I AM JOHNNY is both unsettling and darkly funny. It invites audiences to engage with the contradictions of its central character, presenting a layered and thought-provoking theatrical experience.
Parr, an acclaimed actor and theatremaker, has developed the character of Johnny across the UK’s queer DIY performance scene, and this debut solo show marks a significant evolution of that work. The production has already garnered praise for its intelligent and subversive storytelling.
I AM JOHNNY runs at Summerhall from 06 – 31 August at 18:15. Tickets are on sale here
