Speakerphone Productions present Under the Influence, a bold new musical comedy making its debut at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, written by The Gilbert Twins alongside Shona Maule.
After becoming viral sensations online, identical twins Carine and Frances find themselves in couples therapy as the world’s most co-dependent non-couple. What begins as a therapy session spirals into a chaotic musical intervention, forcing the pair to confront their lifelong bond and the pressures that threaten to pull them apart.
Known to millions as @thegilberttwins, Carine and Frances bring their signature humour and sharp observational comedy from social media to the stage, returning to their musical theatre roots with an original score co-written by Shona Maule. Blending high-energy comedy with heartfelt storytelling, Under the Influence explores sisterhood, identity and the challenge of finding your own voice in a world shaped by online attention.
Drawing on their own lived experiences, the show offers a personal yet relatable look at the complexities of close relationships, especially when lived under the scrutiny of a public platform. Packed with humour, music and emotional insight, it promises a dynamic theatrical experience that is both entertaining and reflective.
Carine and Frances said, “After six years of performing on a virtual stage, we couldn’t be more excited to debut our original musical comedy to the live stage at Fringe. Musical theatre is where it all started for us, so to come back with a run in Edinburgh with our own work is a dream come true. Our story is inspired by a difficult yet hilarious chapter in our lives that we didn’t share online – it’s deeply personal but also extremely relatable to anyone who shares a life shaping bond.”
Directed by Georgie Rankcom, with music and lyrics by Shona Maule, the production combines theatrical flair with contemporary themes, bringing together comedy, music and storytelling in a vibrant and engaging performance.
With its mix of viral energy, musical theatre roots and honest storytelling, Under the Influence promises to be an exciting new addition to this year’s Fringe, offering audiences a hilarious and heartfelt exploration of connection in the digital age.
Under the Influence runs at Underbelly Bristo Square (Dairy Room) from 5 – 30 August (not 17 August) at 21:20. Tickets are on sale here
