By Grace Hatchell
There are some show titles that arrive in my satchel with all the subtlety of a Shakespearean heroine kicking open the stage door, and The Lady Doth Protest is very much one of them.
Following a sold-out New York run, this sharply funny new dark comedy is making its international debut at this year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe, bringing a story of power, silence, labels, and women who have had quite enough, thank you very much.
A co-production between Joy Powered Productions and Feminine Productions, The Lady Doth Protest takes a witty and unflinching look at what happens when women refuse to stay neatly inside the boxes other people have built for them. You know the boxes: “difficult”, “dramatic”, “too much”, “calm down dear”. Honestly, if Grace had a pound for every time a woman was called dramatic for simply having a working pair of opinions, she could afford Fringe accommodation without needing to sell a kidney and three emotional support tote bags.
The production promises a bold blend of high-stakes drama and razor-sharp humour, using classic theatrical archetypes to shine a light on very modern truths. In other words, it may have one foot in the old dramatic tradition, but the other is firmly planted in the present day, probably wearing a sensible boot and refusing to be moved.
Adding to the atmosphere is an original continuous live accordion score from acclaimed New York composer and accordionist Will Holshouser. Now, I know what you’re thinking: accordion? But before anyone starts imagining a man in a beret chasing pigeons through a market square, this score is described as a character in its own right, driving the rhythm of the piece and giving the story its own pulse. A live accordion at 11:20am in Edinburgh? That is either theatre, a warning, or both.
Speaking about the show, co-creator Nealy Glenn says the team wanted to create a piece that “doesn’t just ask for space, but demands it”, using classical storytelling to explore the world we are living in now. The production has travelled from Nashville to New York, and now to Edinburgh, which is a decent journey for any show, never mind one carrying this much wit, bite, and theatrical backbone.
The Lady Doth Protest has not exactly packed lightly for Edinburgh. The production brings together a proper powerhouse team of industry veterans, all focused on bold, human-centred storytelling — which is theatre-speak for “this lot know what they’re doing, and they are not here to faff about.”
The ensemble features NYU Tisch Graduate Acting MFA alumni Nealy Glenn, whose credits include South Coast Repertory and Law & Order: SVU; Melle Powers, known for Signature Theatre’s Fabulation and The Blacklist; and Liam Craig, whose screen credits include Netflix’s Ripley and The Royal Tenenbaums. So yes, there is a fair bit of talent in the room. Grace had to put the kettle on and have a respectful sit-down.
Behind the scenes, the show is written by prominent arts dramaturg Mark Blankenship, Professor at Yale School of Drama, and directed by Broadway veteran Evan Zes, whose credits include The Kite Runner and Only Murders in the Building. And if that was not enough theatrical seasoning, the production is anchored by acclaimed New York composer and accordionist Will Holshouser, who joins the company onstage fresh from a celebrated 29-concert tour in the Netherlands.
An accordion, Broadway experience, Yale credentials, screen credits, and a dark comedy heading for Edinburgh? Honestly, Grace’s satchel has seen lighter deliveries.
This sounds like one for those who like their comedy with bite, their drama with brains, and their Shakespearean nods with a modern raised eyebrow.
The Lady Doth Protest will perform at Edinburgh Festival Fringe from 17th to 29th August at 11:20am, with a running time of 60 minutes, at Greenside @ George Street – Olive Theatre, venue 236.
Grace’s verdict? If a show is going to protest, it may as well do it sharply, loudly, and with an accordion.
The Lady Doth Protest is performing at Edinburgh Festival Fringe 17th – 29th August, at 11:20am (60 mins),
Greenside @ George Street – Olive Theatre (venue 236). Tickets are available to purchase online from
edfringe.com or from the Fringe Society at 180 High Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1QS.
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