Roger Prick @ Underbelly Cowgate
Han Whyte's 1970s sleazebag Roger Prick proves to be a loveable presence in Sexopolis, a show stuffed full of one-liners and clever storytelling
It’s somewhere in the 1970’s and Roger Prick, played by character comedian Han Whyte, is in his prime. Pornographer-turned-erotic novelist, he’s had more business ventures than he can count – to name a few: “Roger’s Poetry and Cafe Salon”, “House of Prick”, and “Roger Prick’s Literary Emporium (& Sex Shop)”. But now it’s 2026, and actions he once got away with will no longer fly. His old classics just aren’t selling anymore; readers have moved on from his smutty books towards something more reflective of the times. So he’s had to adapt, tweaking titles to suit a more woke or, as he puts it, “awake” audience. At a book launch for his new memoir, he takes us through the highs and lows of his life, from humble beginnings in London’s sexy Soho to the present day.
Sexopolis bursts with energy and life, from a performer with heaps of charisma and potential. There's a clear throughline which pulls you into Prick’s filthy world as we learn about a character who is multidimensional and fascinating. Every aspect is well thought-out, with a nostalgic whiff of yesteryear London (and a probably-more-accurate-than-we-would-like-to-think depiction of showbiz in the 1970s). There are even homemade props: copies of his previous book “Guy Blokeman and the Spectacular Knockers”, hand-illustrated by Whyte, among his sketchbooks of “busty vixens" and old shop signs. It’s as if you’ve travelled back in time with Prick, reminiscing on the good ol’ days.
There are a couple of moments that could be fine-tuned to push the show to perfection, such as the scene in which a ouija board is brought out to contact Prick’s late girlfriend, Grizelda. The narrative doesn’t get lost, but there’s a slight slowing of the pace. This is forgivable when considering the depth of the storyline and the way that Whyte carries it with precision and intent.
Overall, Sexopolis is a show which combines clever storytelling, outrageous one-liners and hilarious visual gimmicks to tell a scandalous tale of fame and fortune. Roger Prick is undoubtedly a loveable sleazebag, and one you don’t want to miss out on.
Roger Prick: Sexopolis, Underbelly Cowgate (Jelly Belly), until 30 Aug (not 18 and 25), 6.55pm, £14/£13