FreshFringe 2026 Reviews - Lil Wenker: BOYKING

Before audiences can even enter the room, Lil Wenker commences her performance, weaving her way through punters with an infectious energy, decked out in royal decorum. Within the four walls of the Pleasance Bunker, Wenker brings her riotous show BOYKING, depicting the sociopathic pursuit of the crown by the tyrannical eight-year-old Prince Wilfred. Lisping his way through Macbeth-style soliloquies, all the while suckling on a comically large breast, Wenker’s characterisation of Wilfred is finely tuned, inviting the absurd into the deeply morbid.

Wenker throws herself into each character met along Wilfred’s journey towards corruptive power, utilising immense physicality to generate big laughs from the outset. This is particularly effective within BOYKING’s opening sequence that features a unique brand of crowd work asking punters to ‘gift’ Wilfred their possessions. Consequently, the tone is set for the absurd hour that follows as the audience are established as participants to the show’s chaos. In this respect, BOYKING’s greatest strength is quickly revealed to be in Wenker herself: her complete immersion efficiently guides the audience through the otherwise bizarre, unknown of Wilfred’s world.

However, it is perhaps Wenker’s immense presence and charisma that creates potential for other aspects of the show to fall slightly short. Although Wenker’s use of physicality is testament to her strength as a performer, when removed from this, some of the dialogue can lack the same punch. This is by no means an inherent problem to the show as it largely accentuates the naivety of Wilfred’s tyranny. Yet, it becomes apparent within the gaps between the larger comedic moments where the dialogue can occasionally disrupt momentum. This is noticeable within the show’s final sequence: its lengthier period of exposition making the pacing feel less assured.

Regardless, BOYKING is a highly enjoyable hour. When Wenker is at her most unrestrained, BOYKING’s biggest comedic moments land effectively. Although the pacing may occasionally falter, Wenker’s irresistible charm and physicality largely outweighs these instances. The big laughs feel well earned and are thoroughly enjoyed.

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Photo credit: Hudson Hughes

Review written by Beth Hutchinson for FreshAir Radio.