DIRTY WORK
Edinburgh Festival Fringe
★★★★
“a fun, silly, and expertly crafted show”
Jessica Barton is Mary Floppins in her Edinburgh Fringe debut clowning show Dirty Work, a side-splittingly hilarious hour of singing, dancing, dirty laundry, and plenty of audience interaction. Dressed in the iconic black feathered hat and button-down shirt, she instantly taps into the nostalgia many of us carry from childhood, but with a wonderfully dirty twist.
Barton spends much of the show teaching various men from the audience how to maintain a clean and tidy household, heavily relying on volunteers to illustrate chores in the most absurdly entertaining ways. One gentleman is called upon to help fold sheets, which quickly descends into chaotic, silly prop comedy, delightfully fuelled by the volunteers’ genuine confusion. Another moment has two volunteers sorting laundry, while a third bravely models a pair of clearly-soiled underpants; though a spritz of Lynx Africa somehow renders them presentable. The whole spectacle culminates in a brilliantly funny dance, which is a show highlight and a testament to Barton’s incredible ability to orchestrate joyful chaos.
Though Barton barely speaks much throughout, her vocal skills shine when she breaks into song, revealing a stunning singing voice that confirms her status as a genuine triple threat. Her training in Musical Theatre is evident in every physical gesture and well-timed comedic beat, crafting a performance that is at once polished, playful, and effortlessly engaging.
What sets Dirty Work apart is how it perfectly balances nostalgia with edgy, adult humour. Far from feeling like a disrespectful parody, it comes across as a love letter to Mary Poppins, an affectionate, cheeky reimagining that never mocks the original but instead invites the audience to share in the joke. The character Barton embodies is prim, proper, and practically perfect in every way, which makes the contrast with the filthy, cabaret-style clowning all the more hilarious.
Audience interaction is genuinely a joy to witness. Volunteers seem enthusiastic and eager to take part, and the overall atmosphere is one of inclusive fun rather than awkwardness. Barton’s warmth and generosity create a safe space where participants feel supported rather than put on the spot, which is an impressive feat for a show so reliant on improvisation and audience participation.
There is a curious tonal shift when projected text messages, possibly from a recent ex, interrupt the comedy. These sections, alongside a lengthy vacuuming scene involving volunteers tidying up, feels somewhat at odds with the otherwise fast-paced, silly energy of the show. While it might benefit from tighter editing or a clearer integration, it also hints at a potential depth that Barton could explore more fully in future versions.
Dirty Work is a wonderfully refreshing treat at the Edinburgh Fringe: a fun, silly, and expertly crafted show that will appeal to anyone who enjoys clowning, physical comedy, or just a genuinely good laugh. Barton is a rising star and quadruple threat whose infectious warmth and razor-sharp comic instincts make this debut a real Fringe treat.
DIRTY WORK
Edinburgh Festival Fringe
Reviewed on 10th August 2025 at Delhi Belly at Underbelly, Cowgate
by Joseph Dunitz
Photography by Charlie Ashfield
