Beth Wants the D Review at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival

Beth May's production at the Edinburgh Fringe is raw and vulnerable, while finding the humour in her personal experiences. Trigger Warning: This show deals with the themes of mental health and suicide, which will be mentioned in this review.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Photo by Brandon Dougherty

What is Beth Wants the D?

Beth May stands on the edge of a bridge, contemplating ending her life. She’s grappling with understanding the effects of Bipolar Disorder and her medication, alongside her turbulent mental health journey. Now, if I told you this was a comedy (well, sort of) you might be surprised. But that paradox is precisely May’s superpower.

With razor-sharp wit and emotional vulnerability, May masterfully walks the tightrope between sincerity and self-deprecating humour. Her storytelling is both heartbreaking and hilarious, and her performance is packed with zingy one-liners that never feel out of place. There’s a tongue-in-cheek quality to her delivery, but never at the expense of of the story she is trying to tell. Her charm is undeniable, and it doesn’t take long before the entire audience is hanging on her every word.

Under the direction of Riley Rose Critchlow, the minimalist staging, just three simple boxes, becomes a great playing space for May. Clever lighting design elevates the atmosphere, transporting us through the many chapters of May’s life , from the Grand Canyon to the bridge, along with some great power point style projections.

Photo by Brandon Dougherty

Is Beth Wants the D worth seeing?

Absolutely. This is a standout production in this year’s Fringe lineup.

In a world where mental illness is still too often swept under the rug, Beth Wants the D dares to confront it with honesty and , above all, courage. As a one-woman show rooted in her personal story, it carries an undeniable emotional weight.

In her final monologue, Beth wonders aloud whether she’s said too much, or perhaps not enough.

But she needn’t worry.

She said exactly what needed to be said. And we are all better for having heard it.

Ticket Information and Show Times for Beth Wants the D.

Beth Wants the D runs until the 24th of August at Baby Grand at Pleasance Courtyard, Edinburgh as part of the Edinburgh Fringe. Show time is at 1.45PM. Tickets can be accessed through the Edinburgh Fringe website.

Location:  Baby Grand at Pleasance Courtyard, Edinburgh

Date of Review: 31st of July

Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Disclaimer: I was invited to this show on July 31st, 2025 in exchange for an honest review. All views are my own and were not influenced by the invite.