Main Character Energy @ Summerhall

Temi Wilkey's solo show Main Character Energy is an intoxicating mix of comedy and self-narration

Review by Isabella Thompson | 07 Aug 2024
  • Main Character Energy

Clad in pink Marabou feather pyjamas, slippers, sheer gloves and tiara, Temi Wilkey is here and demands your attention. A tour-de-force of comedy, drama and flamboyance, Temi provides us with the most dramatic re-telling of her journey to the stage you can dream of. It’s a show that you never want to end. 

There is no doubt that Wilkey has certified diva energy, combining complete self-obsession with self-awareness. Electrifying and downright legendary, her story indulges in the sublime and the ridiculous. As a child, she was desperate to be a star, fighting for the attention of her parents, suffering from being cast as dull, traditionally male characters. Her account is absolutely hysterical, and as the audience, we cannot stop ourselves from screaming with laughter at her outrageous remarks and vivacious delivery. Her ability to preserve the audience’s affection whilst unashamedly demanding their attention is nothing short of impressive and speaks to her overflowing charisma.

But beneath the camp, exaggerated celebration of self-love and attention lies something much deeper. We watch as Wilkey becomes aware of the mask she wore growing up, making her question her own character: is she a friendly person, or is she friendly because she was forced to be? What is to blame for her constant striving for perfection? Is it colonisation, or is she “just an attention whore?” She confronts her experience of being stuck in the supporting role head-on (a scenario that extends beyond the stage) and communicates the need to be seen by both others and oneself. You need to be your own main character. 

This show is particularly poignant in light of the recent abuse experienced by Francesca Amewudah-Rivers for playing the role of Juliet in the West End. Wilkey’s story highlights how Black female performers are made to need validation from a system that was built to alienate them – so much so that they feel forced to endure discrimination in order to achieve their dreams. She communicates these painful truths whilst simultaneously mocking herself, producing a darkly funny cocktail that gets to the core of what it means to be a main character. 

Altogether intoxicating, Wilkey’s brutal honesty makes for an unbelievably captivating performance that excites, tickles and moves you. Of all the solo shows at Fringe this year, this must be at the top of your list. It seems Wilkey has succeeded with Main Character Energy, because she has our full attention. 


Main Character Energy, Summerhall (Roundabout), until 26 Aug, 9.40pm, £14.50-17