The Meeples: XXX ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
- Jack Stevens
- 7 hours ago
- 3 min read
Jimmy Kontos's direction was strong. I really liked the immersive environment, and be prepared to talk with the cast because this isn't a show where you can sit quietly and hope nobody notices you! The immersive technique feels completely at home in this chaotic world and helps make every performance feel slightly different.
The choreography by Tara Lynn Steele was stunning. It is sexy, energetic, and somehow still beautifully put together. The puppetry was beautifully executed. There is something immediately familiar about the design that gives you those classic Muppet vibes, but then everything gets considerably more adult. And I mean considerably more adult. This is definitely not the muppet show you remember from childhood.
The costume design is sexy, bold and completely committed to the world of the show. There is no attempt to play things safe, and why would there be? The costumes help create this wonderfully outrageous cabaret atmosphere and fit perfectly with the production's unapologetic tone.
The lighting was actually brilliant and served the production extremely well. It helps create the nightclub atmosphere while also knowing when to step back and let the performers take over. There is plenty of colour, energy and atmosphere without it seeming like the lighting operator has discovered every button on the desk and decided to press them all at once. The sound was good and helped maintain the energy throughout. With live music, puppetry, dance and an audience that is very much part of the environment, there is a lot to balance, but it generally works really well. The sound sits comfortably alongside everything else without taking over.
The book also by Kontos is so interesting. If you couldn't tell from the title, this is definitely not the Muppets you know. These puppets have been out of work, Miss Piggy owns a club, and things have gone very, very far from The Muppet Show. There is strong language, sexy dancing, outrageous situations and an enormous amount of chaos. But underneath it all is a book packed with laughs. It knows exactly how ridiculous its premise is and embraces it completely.
The music and lyrics are similarly brilliant. They add another layer of ridiculousness to the piece and fit the cabaret style perfectly. The songs feel like they belong in this world rather than interrupting the story, and they help maintain the show's unwavering energy.
The company's performances are fantastic. The full company bring an enormous amount of devotion to the stage, with everyone completely throwing themselves into the madness. A particular shout-out has to go to Peyton Conley (Missy LePig), who is absolutely glorious. She has the attitude, the presence and the sheer diva energy you would expect, while the puppetry makes the character even more entertaining.
But for me, Trevor Poli (Gozer) stole the show. There is something about the performance that just completely commits to the ridiculousness of the character. Every moment seems like it is being played at exactly the right level, and Gozer repeatedly manages to grab your attention whenever he appears.
The whole company deserves credit for the sheer amount of technical skill involved. Puppetry, movement, comedy, music, and audience interaction all happen around them, and they keep the whole thing moving with impressive confidence.
So, The Meeples XXX is completely, unapologetically bonkers. It takes the familiar world of puppet variety shows. It throws it into a filthy late-night cabaret filled with sex, drugs, strong language, live music, dance, puppetry and enough chaos to make Sherbert LeFrog seriously reconsider his career choices.
It is filthy. It is funny. It is completely ridiculous.
And honestly, sometimes that is exactly what you want from the Fringe.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Meeples XXX is playing at Greenside @ George Street, Lime Studio, at 9:55 pm, with performances running through 29 August. The show runs for approximately 55 minutes and is strictly adult, with strong language, sexual content, violence and audience participation.
🎟️ Ready to meet the Muppets' much more questionable cousins?
[Book tickets for The Meeples XXX](https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/2026MEEPLES?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
🐸 This is DEFINITELY not the Muppets you remember. 🐷🔥
I went into The Meeples XXX knowing this was an adult puppet show.
I was still not prepared. 😂
Sexy dancing, filthy jokes, brilliant puppetry, live music, audience interaction and enough chaos to make Miss Piggy need a lie down. The choreography was stunning, the puppetry was gorgeous and the whole cast completely committed to the madness.
And while Miss Piggy was an absolute diva 👑, Gonzo stole the show for me!
Basically, if The Muppets went out after dark and made some VERY questionable life choices... this is probably what you'd get. 😂
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Full review on the website now! 🔗 Link in bio 🎭
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