In our ongoing Edinburgh Fringe 2026 interview series, we are speaking to artists and creatives who are bringing their shows to the Scottish capital this summer.
In this interview, we speak with Heather Kirk about her show NewsRevue.
What can you tell me about your show?
If the news has got you down, this is your antidote. Expect four preposterously talented performers, a brilliant musical director on keys and a barrage of hilarious sketches and parody songs that don't require you to know the headlines. From felon presidents wreaking havoc, disgraced royals, to the rise of AI and Ozempic – we've got it covered!
If the news has got you down, this is your antidote. Expect four preposterously talented performers, a brilliant musical director on keys and a barrage of hilarious sketches and parody songs that don't require you to know the headlines. From felon presidents wreaking havoc, disgraced royals, to the rise of AI and Ozempic – we've got it covered!
How would you describe the style of your show to anyone who has never seen you before?
If you’ve seen the new SNL UK then that’s a good reference point! Expect fast-paced comedy sketches, songs and an hour of non-stop laughter!
What was the lightbulb moment that led to the creation of this piece?
The London show has been running for 47 years, so I’m not sure I can take any credit for the creation of the show! But coming on board to direct it this year for the Fringe, it feels like there is A LOT in the news right now to tackle - which is always the spark for what you see in the current show.
The London show has been running for 47 years, so I’m not sure I can take any credit for the creation of the show! But coming on board to direct it this year for the Fringe, it feels like there is A LOT in the news right now to tackle - which is always the spark for what you see in the current show.
What makes 2026 the perfect year for this specific story or performance?
The show is always up to date with current news, so it’s entirely based on 2026!
The show is always up to date with current news, so it’s entirely based on 2026!
How will you mentally and physically prepare for a run at the Fringe?
Mostly by creating the show during our London previews (is it crazy that we haven’t started writing the show yet, so that it’s all completely current?!)
If you couldn’t use a flyer to attract audiences, what ridiculous object would you hand out to people to get them into your show?
It would have to be wigs! NewsRevue has so many iconic wigs and it would be great to see them roaming the streets on peoples’ heads.
What is the one item in your Fringe Survival Kit that you can’t live without this month?
Multivitamins.
What would you deem as success at the end of the Fringe?
Having had lots of fun with our show, having met lots of other wonderful creatives, having seen as many shows as possible… and still having some health left!
Having had lots of fun with our show, having met lots of other wonderful creatives, having seen as many shows as possible… and still having some health left!
Other than your own show, are there any other shows you would recommend at the Fringe this year?
Always The Showstoppers! They are absolutely hilarious and incredibly talented. ‘…Earnest?’ is absolutely brilliant too! I’m also really excited to see a show my friend is producing called ‘The Pitch’ that is also at Pleasance this year.
Always The Showstoppers! They are absolutely hilarious and incredibly talented. ‘…Earnest?’ is absolutely brilliant too! I’m also really excited to see a show my friend is producing called ‘The Pitch’ that is also at Pleasance this year.
What is one Edinburgh spot that you would recommend people to visit when they’re not watching performances?
Definitely Arthur’s Seat! It’s so worth the walk up for the views.
Definitely Arthur’s Seat! It’s so worth the walk up for the views.
Can you describe the show in 5 words?
Hilarious, satirical, crazy, bold, fun!
Hilarious, satirical, crazy, bold, fun!
What keeps you inspired?
Working with and being around other creative people - Fringe is going to be very inspiring!
Working with and being around other creative people - Fringe is going to be very inspiring!
What would you hope someone takes away from seeing the show?
A feeling of slight comic relief from the craziness of the world!
When and where can people see the show?
Pleasance One at 6pm every day! I hope to see you there!
Pleasance One at 6pm every day! I hope to see you there!
Tickets are available from https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/newsrevue
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