Written and performed by Xhole Rice and Natasha Roland
This is ‘Stepford Wives’ gone absurd. Clowning and physical theatre combine for a last-minute must see at the Fringe Festival
Reviewed by Amber Spooner
1 st August – 23 rd August
Upper Theatre at theSpace @ Niddry St
Tickets: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/what-if-they-ate-the-baby
4 STARS
Written and performed by Fringe First winners, Xhole Rice and Natasha Roland, What if they Ate the Baby? is an absurdist look at the expectations society places on women. Stepford wives Dottie and Shirley have a somewhat performative relationship, one that is polite, obedient and demure. They replay the same sequence again and again: returning a container which contained one of Shirely’s dishes, inviting Dottie in to share Shirely’s spaghetti casserole, receiving a delivery from the milkman. But as these sequences repeat, things get darker and more absurd.
The piece asks the audience to question what they’re seeing and to draw their own conclusions as to what’s going on. As they repeat the sequence, audiences get different versions, different sides to the characters and this leaves you with more questions than answers. The script is incredibly compelling and the performers are a joy to watch.
What if they Ate the Baby? is visually striking, with bold lighting, pastel costumes and elaborate props which all culminate in the creation of their Stepford Wives world. Rice and Roland’s clowning skills are a highlight and the inclusion of dialogue and physical theatre make the piece very accessible. With only a few days remaining in the Fringe this is one to put on the list.
Find all the shows on offer at the  Edinburgh Fringe Festival for 2025 here
