Petty Tyrant

Truly "otherworldy", Petty Tyrant impresses with a slick performance. The fabulous costume, the versatile acting, the singing, the rapping, and the use of the space (and time) all make a deep impression. An enigmatically thoughtful piece and certainly one to remember.

Fabulous show. Five stars, I did not know what to expect but I was blown away but the story and cabaret performance. Hajja Souad was otherworldly. Loved the costume, especially the shoes. The very best way to end a busy day at the fringe. Loved it!

Dear Carlotta-B-from-1593/Carla Kissane,

I travelled to Edinburgh for the weekend of 17th August specifically to see you perform at the Fringe. I sincerely would never regret this decision. A commanding, original and engaging performance throughout.

I’m aware that the authenticity of your acting has roots in Shakespearian performance, and the themes and motifs in ‘Petty Tyrant’ certainly do not disappoint in their knowledge and understanding of the subject matter. The audience are invited to an enthralling underworld, known as ‘Poet Purgatory’, where the one-woman-show of Carlotta consumes the audience with an immersive experience where the fourth wall is often disrupted: an explosion of chaos, colour and other-worldly sound.

I would recommend this show to anyone, not least because it’s a privilege in which to participate; the viewer is invited to reflect more about the relevance of Shakespeare in society and is reminded of the importance of freedom of expression in any context. Carlotta also wears some fabulous, astonishingly burlesque outfits.

Thank you, Petty Tyrant for a fantastic experience.

With fabulous wishes for the future of the production,

Eleanor Veness {“the baby under the tree”) * * * * *

10/10 I would recommend this show! I have been following artist Carla Kissane's career for several years now and never miss a show - her performances are always vibrant, intelligent, funny, and exhilarating. Carlotta-B and Shakespearean Cabaret have reached new heights with 'Petty Tyrant': I was blown away by the performance, which I was also lucky enough to see at its New York city debut production! As a Shakesperean scholar, I was impressed by the depth and wealth of knowledge Kissane has embedded within the show, while also being in conversation with contemporary politics, pop culture, and finding both comedy and vulnerability in her powerhouse performance as Carlotta B. I'm always drawn to Carlotta's feminist lens, her striking ability to respond, and her witty humor. Get your tickets before this show sells out, you will not regret it!

This was such an incredible show! The actress did an amazing job with the different characters and the writing. One moment you’ll feel the suspense, the next you’ll be laughing and smiling so much that your mouth starts to hurt. This show is perfect for those who either into shows with the “The Twilight Zone” or “American Horror Story” vibe or just want to know more Shakespeare lore/conspiracy theories (the actress/writer has done a lot of research). The songs added a wonderful transition and context to the story along with the dialogue. I lived for the small audience interaction (15 seconds max if you’re chosen) and how she incorporated our words into her show. It was genuinely so incredible that I had to stay after the show to tell her and the crew what a sensational job they did with the lighting changes and sound effects as well! 10/10

A tour-de-force! Carla Kissane is extraordinary and you don’t want to miss her alter ego Carlotta B from 1593, who in 50 minutes, unravels the entire Shakespearean universe! An hilarious must see!

From the start, Petty Tyrant drops you into one cell of a mysterious purgatory, where an anonymous poet squats in the dark, singing to herself. This is Carlotta-B from 1593. She onboards the audience with the friendly efficiency of a tour guide, full of feral hunger and goodwill, and whips us through jazz numbers, monologues, both new and familiar, political commentary and a storm of Shakespearean scholarship. This is theatre at its finest: robustly innovative, playful, wrathful, and phantasmagoric - unlike anything that has ever been or ever will be. Carlotta-B is a bonfire disguised as a candle flame: one that will burn on long past the curtain falling

Carlotta-B from 1593 is a tour-de-force!!! Highly recommend this show