Transmission
★★★★☆ Messy fun
Summerhall (Venue 26): Tue 18 – Sun 23 Aug 2026
Review by Ed Boulter-Comer
Transmission, produced by Sanctuary Queer Arts at the Anatomy Lecture Theatre at Summerhall, is angry, hopeful, fragmented and whole.
Co-Creators K Biff Nicolson and Susan Worsfold team together with Creator Performer Nelly Kelly to bring the early stages of the campaign of Big Jimmy, Freedom Party member and Kelly’s alter ego, to the stage. Jimmy is a right-wing populist, rallying the troops against the trans hoards he perceives are taking over Scotland. Kelly powers through campaign meetings and hustings as Jimmy rises to the dizzying heights of party leader.
Elliot Webster-Mockett and Nelly Kelly. Pic: Tiu Makkonen.
There is something reminiscent of a boxing match in this self-styled piece of DIY-cabaret. The opening number, complete with pounding music, sequinned fabrics and male bravado makes the arrival of Kelly feel like the entrance of a prize fighter. The curved seating of the Anatomy Theatre becomes a mini-Colosseum.
Kelly themself takes extended, on stage breaks to reset, take on fluids and rest. Inclusive access is still something of a novelty in theatre for audiences, let alone performers. Rest breaks are nevertheless something we expect in sport. Are we looking at the future here?
punctuates
The piece has strong audio video content curated by Daniel Hughes, with spoken word from Kelly, trans performers and activists, and current politicians, as well as still images and some fun and quite silly use of green screen. As well as providing more rest breaks, it wisely punctuates the temperature of the piece.
Elliot Webster-Mockett. Pic: Tiu Makkonen.
Elliot Webster-Mockett’s BSL interpreter is not just there for those who use BSL. His performance is a consistent, cheeky delight. The physical accent he gives the pre-recorded snippets from Donald Trump would shame the most accomplished impressionists and his use of side-eye and knowing despair is delicious.
Transmission gives a reminder of what the Fringe can be for. It makes us think, entertains and gives a voice to communities who rarely get the microphone in a television studio. Just like the Fringe, Transmission is huge, messy fun.
Running time: One hour (no interval).
Summerhall (Anatomy Lecture Theatre), Summerhall, EH9 1PL (Venue 26).
Tuesday 18 – Sunday 23 August 2026.
Daily (Not Thu 20): 7.15pm.
Tickets and details: Book here at EdFringe.com.
Tickets direct from venue: Book here.
Sanctuary Queer Arts website: www.sanctuaryqueerarts.com/
Facebook: @sanctuaryqueerarts
Instagram: @sanctuaryqueerarts
Instagram: @nellydkelly
Nelly Kelly and Elliot Webster-Mockett. Pic: Tiu Makkonen.
ENDS
