Following her success as a breakout star of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, award-winning comedian Kate Butch returns to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe with her brand-new show, A Kate in the Hand is Worth Two in the Butch. Through sequins, proverbs and plenty of sharp humour, Kate turns the spotlight on herself, exploring self-improvement, identity and the realities of being a queer performer in the public eye. We caught up with Kate ahead of this year’s Fringe to find out more.

Every show begins with an initial spark. What was the original idea, moment or experience that made you create this piece? 

I received a message from a stranger in Edinburgh 2024, in response to a very inoffensive picture of me at the sold-out board. The message just read ‘Die.’ and it all spiralled from there.

What can audiences expect when they step into this world? 

So much foliage. I’ve got some gorgeous topiaries that I keep well-maintained. My bush is very enviable. The show is also very serious and there are absolutely no crude references to anything.

Why is the Edinburgh Fringe the right place for this show? 

I love Edinburgh because it allows you to take risks, be silly, and make room for your show to grow and evolve. A comedy show lives or dies by its audience and Edinburgh audiences are the best in the world.

What is something about the show that the audience might not immediately notice, but you hope they discover?

The house music features one of my favourite and silliest jokes of the show, so take your seat as early as possible.

What has surprised you most about creating this piece? 

I didn’t expect so many people to be moved by it. I talk about incredibly specific-to-me situations, and as a textbook narcissist I wasn’t really thinking about how what I’m saying could affect other people, but it’s been really lovely to talk to the audience about the show’s impact on them.

When your audience walks home, what would you love them to still be talking about?

My cracking set of legs.

Kate Butch: A Kate in the Hand is Worth Two in the Butch
Pleasance King Dome
20.00
5-30 Aug