Words: Robert Parker-White
Image: Mihaela Bodlovic

4 stars

On an abnormally hot day in Edinburgh, we pack into the Cairns Lecture Theatre and are whisked away to California, where meteorologist Stacey (Julia McDermott) reports on devastating wildfires with a disarming smile. Beneath that sunny facade, however, is a weather girl teetering on the edge as she faces the reality of a world in crisis. Stacey’s polished exterior begins to crumble, and her coping mechanism? Filling her Stanley cup with Prosecco as she navigates the chaos of a climate catastrophe.

Julia McDermott delivers a flawless performance, holding the stage with an intensity that earns her a well-deserved standing ovation. Brian Watkins’ script is not just stellar but vital, sending a clear message: we need a miracle. We are in a climate emergency. We must act now.

Produced by Francesca Moody (of Baby Reindeer and Fleabag), Weather Girl has already sold out its Fringe season. This play is more than just a performance—it’s a poignant reflection on the beauty of the world that we’ve squandered and a stark reminder to reassess our insatiable desire for more. Do we really need more plastic, more technology, more of everything?

Weather Girl
Summerhall, Cairns Lecture Theatre
18:00
Aug 9-11, 13-18, 20-26