The Fit Prince Review

August 15, 2025

The Fit Prince (who gets switched on the square in the frosty castle the night before (insert public holiday here)) Review

30th July – 25th August 2025

Bouncing off the success of previous shows, Awkward Productions fly into the Edinburgh Festival this year with another gleefully queer satirical romp.

The creative genius of Awkward comes from Linus Karp and Joseph Martin, and in ‘The Fit Prince’ they have penned a delightfully absurd fairy-tale which unfolds in the fictional kingdom of Swedonia, sitting amongst other ‘onias’ and has a bizarre set of rules and traditions which conveniently drive this story along.

“Yet another triumph for Awkward”

The play opens with the funeral of the late king, complete with stained glass church window, open coffin and Gregorian chant. Prince Ilian (Linus Karp), the King’s son, is now on the brink of coronation, however there is a condition: he must marry before Midsommer which is just two weeks away. Enter Aaron Butcher (Joseph Martin), a New York baker, who arrives in Swedonia to bake the coronation cake. After an initial confrontation prompting an immediate mutual dislike, the two become travelling companions when the baker convinces the prince he must see the country he is to rule. Together, on horseback (ably played by two audience members), they travel to an orphanage where we meet a host of dubious orphans being raised by life-sized puppet Gerta McMurder (brilliantly played by Martin). This somehow leads us to a BAAB concert (You can work out which ‘Swedonian’ group this is inspired by), featuring a host of strangely familiar songs. The baker and the prince become close, resulting in a fairy-tale happy ending.

This is a show which has a little bit of everything: pantomime, politics, parody, puppetry and participation from audience members. A hugely willing audience are clad with random props and costumes and invited to play numerous characters throughout. I don’t how, but it works perfectly and expands the cast of two to considerably more. In addition, two large screens set stage left and right introduce a host of characters, which add further comic value as we meet a dazzling digital cast of celebs who appear, via video link, on the stage. Add to this the stage manager who also weighs in with a good mix of comical creations and this two-hander suddenly feels like a West End musical.

The two leading actors have a natural rapport and Karp’s quick-witted ad-libs, often at the expense of an audience member, give this show an extra energy which makes us feel like we’re really experiencing something unique.

Set and props are minimal but this only adds to the charm of the piece and generates more gags with signs describing what the missing props should be.

Whilst there can be no denying this piece is loaded with social and political messages, above all else, it is a very funny, well written piece of theatre which will have you laughing throughout and set you up nicely for your evening stand up show at the Fringe.

Yet another triumph for Awkward and no surprise their shows are now making a name both in London and New York. Grab a ticket while you can as I feel certain this one will be playing to sell-outs pretty soon.