Review: STARDUST Starring Star Dust (In Person), Fringe 2025

Kat McGarr has a beautiful voice, and maybe if you’re lucky enough to catch one of her shows, you can just close your eyes and let the calmness of her singing wash over you. But you will not get to do that at the Fringe in STARDUST Starring Star Dust.

This is a masterclass in character drama, where McGarr transforms into the outrageous Star Dust. A former movie star who believes her time hasn’t passed, she’s a diva clinging to past glories with a ferocious grip. From the moment she arrives, she is entirely gilded: her skin, hair, and every piece of her extravagant outfit, right down to her towering boots and immense fake fingernails (finger daggers?), are a tribute to gold.

An immersive experience

Star Dust’s performance is fully immersive from the moment she climbs over the audience to get to the stage. She is a diva making her grand entrance, and as an audience member, you will absolutely have to make way. Once she is onstage, there is no escape. The show is a series of madcap character antics, and audience involvement is not just encouraged – it is mandatory.

The show is absolutely not for wallflowers or the faint-hearted. If you are intimidated by the idea of being called on to participate in a human buffet, chant at the top of your voice, or be part of a bizarre impromptu house party, then this is not the show for you. But if you want to experience something particularly “Fringe” – something wild, different, and just a little bit weird – then this is the perfect antidote to a dull afternoon.

The Keyboard Player and Other Gilded Delights

One of the show’s quiet delights is the keyboard player, “Goldenfingers” Robin. They provide a perfectly surreal backdrop to Star Dust’s chaos. Midway through the show, Robin transforms into a giant lampshade, a brilliant visual gag that feels perfectly in character with the bizarre world McGarr has created. If you pay attention, you’ll notice what’s to come when you arrive.

The show also features moments of serene singing, with McGarr’s lovely voice providing a contrast to the utter chaos unfolding on the tiny stage. These moments make you appreciate the sheer range of her performance, from melodious song to unhinged comedy.

Overall

STARDUST Starring Star Dust is a wonderfully weird and different Fringe experience. It’s an incredibly interactive character comedy that will either thrill you or terrify you, depending on how comfortable you are with being part of the show. It’s not for everyone, but if you’re willing to embrace the absurdity, it is a rewarding and hilarious experience that will perk you right up on even the most sweltering of Edinburgh afternoons.