Charis King makes a dazzling Edinburgh Fringe debut with Wummy, a sharply observed and riotously funny one-woman show that skewers the modern obsession with curated perfection. Directed with flair by Octavia Gilmore, this solo performance is a masterclass in character comedy, underpinned by a poignant exploration of aspiration, identity and the cost of chasing an Instagram-filtered dream.
King plays a struggling teacher who longs to transform herself into a “yummy mummy” – or more accurately, a “wannabe yummy mummy” (hence the title). Her vision is clear: a Chelsea townhouse, a baby, a nanny, and a kitchen island with a hidden bin. But as she dives headfirst into the world of manifestation and self-help gurus, her reality begins to unravel. What starts as a light-hearted quest for self-improvement spirals into a Walter Mitty-esque fantasy, with hilarious and heartbreaking consequences.
The writing is razor-sharp, blending satire with sincerity. King’s script captures the language and logic of online wellness culture with uncanny precision, while also exposing the emotional toll it can take. Her performance is nothing short of electric. She flits between characters with ease, each one vividly drawn and instantly recognisable. The standout is Allegra, a posh, passive-aggressive mummy influencer whose every line had the audience – this reviewer included – howling with laughter.
Despite the laughs, Wummy never loses sight of its deeper themes. It’s a show about the pressures young people face in a world where success is measured in likes and lifestyle aesthetics. The simple staging is cleverly used, with props that add just enough texture without distracting from the performance. A touch of audience interaction adds to the fun, and King’s warmth ensures everyone feels included.
What elevates Wummy beyond a typical comedy is its unexpected ending. Just when you think you know where it’s going, it takes a turn that is both surprising and deeply satisfying. It’s a bold, brilliant piece of theatre that leaves a lasting impression.
Charis King is a name to watch. With Wummy, she has delivered one of the most exciting and original solo shows of the Fringe. A brutally funny, beautifully performed gem – this is what the Fringe is all about.
