EdFringe 2025 Review: Miss Brexit

Miss Universe gets a political spin in cabaret comedy Miss Brexit, which arrives at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe as four wannabe Brits compete to earn British citizenship. Directed by Amaia Mugica and Alejandro Postigo, Miss Brexit blends musical numbers with political humour, while exploring themes of culture, integration, and the impact of Brexit.

Hailing from Catalonia, Spain, Portugal and Switzerland, four aspiring Brits compete in Miss Brexit to earn their UK citizenship. The participants face a series of challenges, led by a flamboyant and unforgiving MC, in which they must demonstrate their knowledge of British culture and manners in order to win their right to remain.

A thumping electronic pop jingle blasts as four bodysuit-and-heel-clad contestants emerge on stage in Underbelly’s Bristo Square, representing several corners of Europe. They are joined by their overzealous MC, who sarcastically presides over events with a satirical bite, bursting with campy stoicism and playing the role with the energy of a malevolent gameshow host.

Miss Brexit shines through several impressively pitched musical numbers that combine heart and humour. Original music from Harvey Cartlidge and Tom Cagnoni captures a mix of amusing European stereotypes, as well as the grim realities behind the dream of living in Britain. Miss Portugal (Ricardo Ferreira) sings of the isolation that can come with life in the UK, Miss Switzerland (Maxence Marmy) reflects on the challenge of low-paid jobs paired with high rent, and Miss Spain (Shivone Dominguez Blascikova) tackles the frustrations of navigating British bureaucracy.

The show includes effective moments of audience interaction in its one-hour runtime. Front-row attendees may be called upon to judge a curtseying contest or assist in a tea-pouring challenge. Both serve as amusing set pieces, highlighting “British manners” with camp grotesqueness. Some of the strongest humour comes from Alba Villaitodo as Miss Catalonia, who brings high-camp comedy, physicality and excellent comic timing to the production. Praise should also go to MC George Berry, whose charismatic flamboyance and sass help guide the madness and glittered spectacle with a steady hand.

Structurally, Miss Brexit can feel somewhat repetitive, though the format allows each cast member a chance to shine and explore their character’s backstory.

Overall, Miss Brexit is a sharp, satirical and campy celebration of multicultural identity, poking fun at British values while offering timely commentary on life in post-Brexit Britain.

Miss Brexit runs until August 25 at Underbelly Bristo Square. Tickets are available here.