Review: High Heels from the Big Boot, Fringe 2026

What if you could hear the thoughts of women from the past directly from them? Or, at least, from a more or less accurate avatar of them, recreated thanks to some highly advanced technology? 

When history talks back 

High Heels from the Big Boot is an Italian comedy, performed in its original language (with English subtitles), that builds on this fascinating premise. 

At its core, the show is about women, and the way complex personalities can be flattened into perfect little angels in the way we remember them, both in history and, to some degree, in our personal lives. 

Messier parts of their personalities are smoothed out and important moments in their stories are conveniently omitted, until what remains is a reassuring summary that fits neatly into a patriarchy-friendly narrative. 

Format and storytelling 

This three-actor comedy is structured as a series of interactions between two women, an AI and a carousel of avatars of iconic women from history and Italian culture. 

I found it funny that the writers chose to make one of the characters an AI. It could just as easily have been a genie: a completely unrealistic, anthropomorphised piece of technology with mysterious powers that nobody fully understands. 

The interview format keeps the show moving quickly and gives each woman space to disrupt the polished version of her story that has survived. 

Funny comedy about serious matter 

All the women revealed unexpected sides to their personalities: from Eva not being particularly motherly, to Montessori’s secret. Some of these revelations were played mostly for laughs, while others had a much sadder side.

Even though this show has a couple of genuinely moving moments, comedy remains at the centre of it. I found this was a great approach: it makes its point without becoming heavy, but leaves you thinking more critically about the representation and the role of women in culture.