My Dad Wears A Dress is a one-woman show written and performed by Maria Telnikoff based on her personal experience of growing up with a trans-female parent: the highs, the lows and the heels!

It follows a girl's journey, from childhood to youth, navigating a world in which all the other dads she knows are men. Filled with early 00s nostalgia, it's a personal yet relatable show about growing up, difference and acceptance.

***** 'Heart warming, funny, honest' - Centre Stage

**** 'a joyous celebration of childhood sprinkled with meaningful reflections on the binaries perpetuated by society' - Lost in Theatreland

About the artist

Maria Telnikoff (she/they) is an East London based actor, writer, comedian and poet. She is a graduate of SOHO Theatre Comedy Labs and a semi-finalist in the Max Turner Comedy Prize.

Her show My Dad Wears A Dress has played at the SPRINT Festival at Camden People's Theatre, as well as Barons Court Theatre and the Hen and Chickens Theatre. Her other one-woman show All The Men Are Going To Hate Me was selected by RashDash to be a part of CPT's Calm Down Dear 2023 Festival.

Maria has also recently performed in Elektra Therapy (The Space Theatre), Plant Gays (Curve Theatre, Leicester) and Who Ate All The Pies? (Recreate Agency). She has also written a debut poetry collection 'songs of inexperience'. Watch out for My Dad Wears A Dress at the Edinburgh Fringe this year at Underbelly, 11:25am for the whole month!

Visit Show Website

Since you’re here…

… we have a small favour to ask. We don't want your money to support a hack's bar bill at Abattoir, but if you have a pound or two spare, we really encourage you to support a good cause. If this review has either helped you discover a gem or avoid a turkey, consider doing some good that will really make a difference.

You can donate to the charity of your choice, but if you're looking for inspiration, there are three charities we really like.

Show me the charities

Mama Biashara
Kate Copstick’s charity, Mama Biashara, works with the poorest and most marginalised people in Kenya. They give grants to set up small, sustainable businesses that bring financial independence and security. That five quid you spend on a large glass of House White? They can save someone’s life with that. And the money for a pair of Air Jordans? Will take four women and their fifteen children away from a man who is raping them and into a new life with a moneymaking business for Mum and happiness for the kids.
Donate to Mama Biashara now

Theatre MAD
The Make A Difference Trust fights HIV & AIDS one stage at a time. Their UK and International grant-making strategy is based on five criteria that raise awareness, educate, and provide care and support for the most vulnerable in society. A host of fundraising events, including Bucket Collections, Late Night Cabarets, West End Eurovision, West End Bares and A West End Christmas continue to raise funds for projects both in the UK and Sub-Saharan Africa.
Donate to Theatre MAD now

Acting For Others
Acting for Others provides financial and emotional support to all theatre workers in times of need through the 14 member charities. During the COVID-19 crisis Acting for Others have raised over £1.7m to support theatre workers affected by the pandemic.
Donate to Acting For Others now