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Brits Abroad: Banned

 
Alice Eaves Review by Alice Eaves 3 Published: 9 Aug 2025 Pleasance Courtyard Show Dates: 30 Jul 2025-12 Aug 2025

When shows are assigned to an early slot, they need to be punchy, engaging and well paced. Brits Abroad: Banned delivered on all these counts – blowing away any cobwebs and keeping me laughing in my seat.

Blew away any cobwebs and had me laughing in my seat

Set in the depths of fiery hell, where the Brits have been banished after nowhere else will take them for their summer holidays, the devil becomes increasingly frustrated that whatever horrible situation he throws at them, they continue to have a good time. We meet a selection of stereotypical British holidaymakers, all equally as insufferable as the next. While this could have become a breeding ground for clichés and tired jokes, it was largely avoided thanks to a competent scriptwriter who knew when to take the foot off the gas.

I love tongue-in-cheek comedy and found a lot of the jokes jam-packed into Brits Abroad: Banned hit the sweet spot between wit and shock factor. With the protests across Europe against British tourists’ prominence in our media at the moment, the narrative felt incredibly timely. The ability to respond to contemporary social and cultural narratives was left a little dated, however, when it came to some of the jokes embedded into the show. I love a bit of Tory bashing as much as the next person, but it did feel a tad off the pulse. If this were a year or so ago, it would potentially have felt more relevant.

Brits Abroad: Banned embodies what all Fringe shows are trying to achieve – keeping their audience entertained. This show does that in abundance. Boring people, avoid this; it will not be for you.

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The Blurb:

After being banned from going anywhere abroad (yes, even Benidorm), British tourists are forced to go on holiday to the only place that'll have 'em. Hell. At least it'll be hot. From the creators of Wild Tales for Weird Folk, The Embers Collective and Stumble Trip Theatre have teamed up once more. But this time, it's official – introducing NotThatButThat Theatre with a brand-new show, Brits Abroad: Banned. Combining comedy, physical theatre and live music for a rowdy, rip-roaring holiday you won't forget. 'Magical, sexy, funny and unforgettable. ***** (BroadwayBaby.com).