Will Owen: Looking Fab at Fifty Review
Until 24th August 2025
Will Owen’s latest show Looking Fab at Fifty is a witty, camp, gentle stroll exploring identity, queerness, and the anxiety of feeling only just behind the curve.
As we filed into one of Edinburgh’s many temporary spaces – a porter cabin with seating on three sides, there is a buzz in the room and clearly some Will Owen fans who are excited at the prospect of his latest show.
“This show is well worth a visit for your evening comedy slot at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival”
Owen bursts onto the stage clad in contrasting smart-casual attire, a shirt combined with sports shorts, brightly coloured green socks and Doc Martin boots. His playful and fun appearance is congruent with his bubbly, fun personality and as he bounces around the stage under the lights, his energy radiates and brings the audience to life.
His mildly anxious, slightly apologetic style is charming and works beautifully as he builds rapport with his appreciative audience. He mixes life experiences, story-telling and, of course, interaction with his willing victims who have no protection in this intimate space.
Much of Owen’s material is focussed on the queer scene and he exploits this to the max, garnering support from his gay fans, whilst jokingly turning his back on anyone in the room who is straight. He teases his audiences with his unique banter, opening conversations with genuine heart-felt questions, only to cut them down with razor sharp comments and put downs which are enjoyed by all.
He is a master of making us feel fully involved, often stopping during his stories to ask if anyone else has experienced something similar, then incorporating our input as his own tale gathers momentum.
He speaks of his mum, of unwelcome Grindr interactions and his personal experiences, sharing the awkward moments he encounters. His final story involves a song which inspires a surprising musical moment. An unusual and unexpected addition to the show which seems to go down well and also gets a laugh.
It is hard not to think of a young Julian Clary at times when watching Owen, and it feels like some of his inspiration may have been drawn from the hugely successful camp comedian, but that certainly doesn’t detract from the show and from his own brand of comedy.
Looking Fab at Fifty seems like a strange title for this show and we don’t perhaps get what we’re expecting, however Owen’s sharply observed, gentle confessional hour of stand-up will have you chucking in your seat. The audience clearly love him and enjoy his humour, giving him a standing ovation on the night I was in.
This show is well worth a visit for your evening comedy slot at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
Stephen Cambridge
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