Fanny Bleach: The Nearly Naked Show - Edinburgh Fringe Interview

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 Fanny Bleach (aka Emma Crowley-Bennett) about her show The Nearly Naked Show.

What is The Nearly Naked Show?
Described by Bennett as a "reclamation of the naked body in all its gory glory," The Nearly Naked Show invites audiences straight into the eccentric psyche of Fanny Bleach [00:08]. The performance introduces a surreal lineup of grotesque, slightly-undressed characters — all played by Bennett herself — led by a relatable young character named Daniel on work experience who acts as the audience's guide through the madness [04:34].

Turning Trauma into Pure Silliness
The origin of the show stems from a deeply personal experience. After filing a formal complaint regarding an incident at her former drama school, Bennett found herself feeling belittled and powerless during the university's handling of the situation [01:37].

"I felt very out of control... then I had a dream that I had a Fanny puppet and it was singing 'I Did It My Way'. I woke up and thought, 'Oh, I could just take control of this situation and make something ridiculous out of it.'" — Emma Crowley Bennett [02:28]

Transforming a dark chapter into something empowering, silly, and liberating became the cornerstone of the show [03:01].

From Sketch Comedy to Drag Solo Debut
Bennett is no stranger to the stage — she has spent years creating work with her sketch group, Your Aunt Fanny [00:57]. After navigating the hustle of living in London and working multiple jobs, winning a drag competition provided the momentum to push her solo career forward [05:48].

Fringe Survival Essentials
When asked how she prepares for her solo Fringe debut, Bennett highlighted a few non-negotiables for surviving August in Edinburgh:
Mental Support: Staying with close friends and hosting visiting family to keep grounded [06:56].
Local Culinary Favorite: Grab a meal at the Original Mosque Kitchen — a quiet spot offering delicious, affordable curry and 50p samosas [09:52].
The Goal: Focus on enjoying the process and connecting with other creators, rather than getting bogged down by reviews [09:04].

Watch the Full Interview
For the full interview and behind-the-scenes insights, watch the original video on YouTube:
Fanny Bleach - The Nearly Naked Show - Edinburgh Fringe Interview

Quick Facts	Details
Performer	Emma Crowley Bennett (as Fanny Bleach)
Genre	Alternative Comedy / Drag / Sketch Cabaret
5-Word Summary	Grotesque, sparkly, heartfelt, silly, important [10:29]
Venue	Assembly Roxy (Downstairs)
Show Time	9:50 PM ( nightly during August Fringe)