Review: The Shocking Truth About Flat Earth

Star rating: ★★★★

The Shocking Truth About the Flat Earth is an interesting premise for a musical. Is the Earth flat or round? That conspiracy question gives the writers and cast plenty of room to play with and make fun of.

Writers Alex Mooneypenny and Adam Tuffrey clearly understand what makes a good Fringe show. While it might seem like an unusual subject, the conspiracy jokes land consistently, a bit predictable at times, but still genuinely funny and very much in line with the spirit of the Fringe.

Much of why this works comes down to the cast. Led by Emma Norman as Sharon Hargreaves, alongside Emma Thornett, Michael Joseph, Tom Dickerson, and Leonie Wall, the ensemble brings great energy to the stage. Their comic timing is sharp, and their total commitment to the ridiculousness of the story is essential in bringing a show like this to life!

Alongside the strong performances, the show features catchy, fun songs delivered with full energy. But what elevates the production even further is the heart underneath the comedy. Rather than simply making fun of conspiracy theorists, it unexpectedly touches on deeper themes like grief, loneliness, belonging, and midlife reinvention. This gives the show real strength, giving the audience plenty of laughs while allowing them to see a piece of themselves in the story.

Overall, The Shocking Truth About the Flat Earth is silly, eccentric, and knowingly ridiculous, but with far more warmth than you might expect from the title—a show with a lot of potential.

The Shocking Truth About the Flat Earth is playing as part of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe until 30th August at Queen Dome at Pleasance Dome.