Think you know your 11th-century popes well enough to win at a pub quiz? Think again as history’s messiest pontiff gets the comedy recognition he finally deserves. Pope Benedict The IX is an hour of holy hell-raising, telling the true story of ‘Benny’, the 18-year-old pope who managed to serve three separate terms and loved a party more than a prayer. Pope Benedict IX’s reign was focused on decadent orgies rather than church orthodoxy; a blasphemously good time, this show rips the halo off history’s most outrageous Pope.
It’s a feisty, interactive and gloriously gay comedy hour that’s less Sunday mass and more Saturday-night fever. Think fierce costume changes that are nothing short of divine, sassy PowerPoint testimonials, and enough tea to spill at a thousand confessionals. The show encourages audience participation, and if you’re blessed you may well be putting on a scandalous performance yourself. Pedro Cooray, a Sri Lankan Aussie comedian, shines in his Edinburgh run, delivering a sermon of scandal and laughs. This one-man-show is camp and full of gossip, decidedly offbeat yet educational. A sinfully good time.
Pope Benedict IX, Just The Tonic Mash House, until 24 August, 10.10pm.