Actress, comedian and content-creator Dylan Mulvaney takes to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe stage with musical-comedy FAGHAG from director Tim Jackson. Assembling a truly enthusiastic crowd at the Assembly Studios, Dylan provides amusing and candid musings on her journey to self-love from twink to Woman of the Year in this endearing and punchy Fringe debut.
Dylan Mulvaney chronicles her journey of embracing her authenticity, celebrating her girlhood and exploring her relationship with God having grown up queer in the Catholic church. The star turns her eye to her relationship with her mother, the LGBTQ+ community, and with the world of celebrity and fame.
Before the show begins, Dylan navigates the crowd before the show begins, donned in an impressive set of white angel wings and shades. The star mingles with an excited crowd of fans in the theatre who eagerly take their seats in awe of their idol. This autobiographical hybrid of stand-up, narrative and musical chronicles Dylan’s journey into the world showcasing the star’s quick comic wit and comedic musical prowess. Utilising voice or video cameos from stars such as Alan Cumming, Chris Colfer, Jonathan Van Ness, Chris Olsen and TS Madison, Dylan brings her tale to life in a vibrant, energetic and truly colourful fashion.
Dylan packs Faghag with humour in all avenues such as addressing her journey into the world in the wrong body, where her mother consults with the Costco doctor about getting Dylan prescribed with ‘medical supplement’ TWINK to repackage her inherent femininity into flat out twinkiness. Dylan finds her twink calling working for LUSH Cosmetics, dispensing advice and overpriced beauty products to housewives with frivolous spending habits. This all goes well into the arrival of Dylan’s twink nemesis at the store sees her place threatened.
Dylan navigates a complex relationship with her mother, exploring the challenges in communicating with more conservative family members. Brimming with heart and authenticity, Dylan also explores the challenges of dating – with straight men proving something of a minefield to navigate for the star. Some well-pitched audience interaction sees a willing straight man take on the role of one of Dylan’s early love interests to recreate a steamy endeavour. As Dylan grows to embrace her womanhood, fame beckons with the star forced to navigate new challenges including fame, endorsements and the business of being a public figure in a divisive US.
Dylan takes stage alongside vivid pink set design and shelving adorned with a variety of pink decorations brings a Barbie-esque palette to the Assembly Studios venue. This joyous colouring matches Dylan’s sweet and warm demeanour, providing a perfect canvas for this magnificently camp tale of discovering one’s true self to unfold upon.
Throughout Dylan Mulvaney: Faghag, it is easy to see exactly why Dylan has amassed her impressive platform. This Fringe debut is a vibrant, comedic exploration of her journey from twink to Woman of the Year, blending autobiographical storytelling, rousing musical numbers, and sharp wit. Dylan grips us with her journey through fame, family, and dating, delivering a hilarious and heartfelt performance that captivates an adoring audience.
For tickets to Dylan Mulvaney: Faghag click here.
Lead photo: Marc Brenner