Review: Skank Sinatra: How to Succeed in Show Business Without Really Trying, Fringe 2026

While walking through the corridor to the Underground at Assembly George Square Studios, the sound of upbeat jazz music gradually gets louder. It successfully sets the atmosphere as it’s time for the new show from Skank Sinatra, named How to Succeed in Show Business Without Really Trying.

I saw last year’s show and very much enjoyed it, and I did this year too!

Great Vocal Performance with a Fabulous Wig

Skank Sinatra jokes that she has made it in show business now she is “selling out car parks”. I must say it’s unusual to see a car park with so much glamour and sparkle!

The musical numbers aren’t just about show business, Skank Sinatra has range. For example, there is a song including satirical commentary on South African class divides.  

Tales of auditions, rejection and longing to perform are included in the show business theme and Skank Sinatra has the charisma (including some great facial comedy) and wit to make it all work well.

Plentiful Puns

There were multiple instances of laugh out loud puns in this show. I would not recommend this show for the faint of heart, but for those who enjoy raunchy humour and provocative parodies, this is will be a very fun time!

One of many laughs in this show was from the introduction to one number, “I’m going to sing you this song because I know the words,” and I’d add she certainly has the strong vocal ability too!

I went to this show with a friend and afterwards, when we overheard other singers as we passed by street performers, we remarked that we’d been spoiled by Skank Sinatra. As they didn’t hold a candle to the great vocal performance in this show.

Laugh Out Loud Crowd Work

Skank Sinatra is fantastic at crowd work. She slow danced with an audience member who was very happy to participate, garnering lots of laughs in the process.

No one is safe from acknowledgement in the crowd work. I got clocked as queer and I laughed heartily and nodded as she added, “Just assuming” (correctly)

So for those who enjoy those kind of crowd interactions, this is a great choice!

If you’re looking for raunchy humour, sparkles and a great vocal performance, I’d definitely recommend Skank Sinatra: How to Succeed in Show Business Without Really Trying