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 Sarah Hester Ross about her show Serving Cunt.
What can you tell me about your show?
My show is a roaring good time with laughs but also an uplifting experience for weary souls.
How would you describe the style of your show to anyone who has never seen you before?
Think old school cabaret glam with topical musical comedy. A feel good for the eyes, ears, heart and mind.
What was the lightbulb moment that led to the creation of this piece?
The last time I performed at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. In 2024, I came to Edinburgh with a show I felt proud of but was not fulfilled by. After the attention I got from social media, I felt I had to label myself as a “musical comedian” which in hindsight stifled me for a while. Putting myself in that box hindered me from creating things that I knew were more me. I was so inspired by all the shows I saw in Edinburgh with artists doing exactly what they wanted. No label, no box, just their art. So, I left feeling free to do that same. And that’s what I’ve brought to Edinburgh this year. It's a bit full circle for me.
What makes 2026 the perfect year for this specific story or performance?
I believe the feminine has always been diminished and shamed by our patriarchal society. This year, we are seeing a rise of grasping at control over women’s minds and bodies, a rise of hate and anger towards minority groups and the LGBTQIA community. So I think an experience geared towards uplifting these communities is needed more than ever.
How will you mentally and physically prepare for a run at the Fringe?
Mentally I am surrounded by such a supportive team this year. My management and my production team will be my mental grounding. Physically, I have no freaking idea. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous about doing 15 solo shows and 8 live podcast recordings in one month. My solo show is no easy ride for me vocally. I am singing my face off for 80% of it! So I guess rest when I can and sleep when I’m dead.
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?
I'd use a big ass clacker fan that says "CUNT" on it -- which I happen to be selling as merch!
What is the one item in your Fringe Survival Kit that you can’t live without at the Fringe?
My audacity.
What would you deem as success at the end of the Fringe?
It'll be a success if I leave feeling so inspired by all the art and music to write my next show! I’d also love to sell out my shows and reach as many Fringe-goers as possible -- and of course get lots and lots of attention.
Other than your own show, are there any other shows you would recommend at the Fringe this year?
My show is a roaring good time with laughs but also an uplifting experience for weary souls.
How would you describe the style of your show to anyone who has never seen you before?
Think old school cabaret glam with topical musical comedy. A feel good for the eyes, ears, heart and mind.
What was the lightbulb moment that led to the creation of this piece?
The last time I performed at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. In 2024, I came to Edinburgh with a show I felt proud of but was not fulfilled by. After the attention I got from social media, I felt I had to label myself as a “musical comedian” which in hindsight stifled me for a while. Putting myself in that box hindered me from creating things that I knew were more me. I was so inspired by all the shows I saw in Edinburgh with artists doing exactly what they wanted. No label, no box, just their art. So, I left feeling free to do that same. And that’s what I’ve brought to Edinburgh this year. It's a bit full circle for me.
What makes 2026 the perfect year for this specific story or performance?
I believe the feminine has always been diminished and shamed by our patriarchal society. This year, we are seeing a rise of grasping at control over women’s minds and bodies, a rise of hate and anger towards minority groups and the LGBTQIA community. So I think an experience geared towards uplifting these communities is needed more than ever.
How will you mentally and physically prepare for a run at the Fringe?
Mentally I am surrounded by such a supportive team this year. My management and my production team will be my mental grounding. Physically, I have no freaking idea. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous about doing 15 solo shows and 8 live podcast recordings in one month. My solo show is no easy ride for me vocally. I am singing my face off for 80% of it! So I guess rest when I can and sleep when I’m dead.
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?
I'd use a big ass clacker fan that says "CUNT" on it -- which I happen to be selling as merch!
What is the one item in your Fringe Survival Kit that you can’t live without at the Fringe?
My audacity.
What would you deem as success at the end of the Fringe?
It'll be a success if I leave feeling so inspired by all the art and music to write my next show! I’d also love to sell out my shows and reach as many Fringe-goers as possible -- and of course get lots and lots of attention.
Other than your own show, are there any other shows you would recommend at the Fringe this year?
- My producer and podcast co-host David Ian has 4 shows he’s doing (he’s a mad man but I love his moxie), including: Best of Queer Comedy Club, Married At First Sight, the Fringe debut of his new show Bad Decisions, and the Fringe debut of our new podcast “This Is My Baby.” We are putting on our first ever live episodes and it's going to be a real party, so we’d love a good crowd for those!
- Anything Reuben Kaye is doing
- Honestly I’m going to be supporting as many women-run and led shows as I can this year. I'm especially excited about: Sofie Hagen's I Think Some of This Is My Fault, Josephine Lacey's Autism Mama, Alex Hines and Sarah Stafford's BIRDS, Alice Keys' Rocket Fan, Serena Terry's Factory Settings, and Sydnee Washington's My Black Barbie Story.
There is a pub about 10 min out of downtown by cab. It’s the oldest pub in Edinburgh and it’s so freakin cute and the food is great!
Can you describe the show in 5 words?
Powerhouse vocals and glamorously cunty.
What keeps you inspired?
Women. Seeing women take everything in stride and still rise is what inspires me the most in the entire world.
What would you hope someone takes away from seeing the show?
I hope everyone leaves uplifted and smiling -- but mostly I hope that for women. I want women leaving my show feeling powerful and seen.
When and where can people see the show?
Gilded Balloon Teviot @ The Den
5, 7, 8, 10, 11, 14, 15, 17, 18, 21, 22, 24, 25, 28, 29 AUG at 16:20...or 4:20 for real people.
Tickets are available from https://tickets.gildedballoon.co.uk/event/14:6735/
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