Ironing is a highly divisive household activity, as we discover from the audience responses at the start of Jody Kamali’s hilarious show – Ironing Board Man. But, whether you love ironing or loathe it with a passion, this show is something that deserves a space in everyone’s Fringe wardrobe.

Returning to Edinburgh following a successful run in 2025, this one man extravaganza stars not only Kamali as ‘Jeremy Irons’, but twelve fellow actors, all of them inanimate ironing boards. We are promised a  Hollywood blockbuster and a cinematic love story, a show full of action and excitement, and on  this prediction it doesn’t disappoint. There’s romance, fighting, a war, (including  a high profile death), and, the creation of a dynasty.

It’s to Kamali’s credit that he creates such a hilarious and engaging spectacle using to great effect what is a mundane household object. It’s  highly energetic stuff and great physical theatre as he stretches the full artistic possibilities presented by your average ironing board. Limbering up, Kamali demonstrates  the ancient art of ironing fu, (a lesser known variant of karate)  before courageously fighting the evil forces of General Starch – overlord of Planet Wrinkle.  Yes, if you like a pun or two, that box is also well and truly ticked.  Kamali is a  good mimic and although the dialogue is minimal, with clever use of voiceovers and a cracking soundtrack , it’s an easy to follow story which enthrals young and old alike. There is plenty of audience participation too. With the aid of a few choice props and costumes, ironing boards are effortlessly transformed  into such diverse characters as Margaret Thatcher aka Lady Iron of Crease, Mike ‘iron’ Tyson and of course Donald Trump – played by none other than Doug Trouserpress – yes all the boards have names and full acting credits.  

This is downright funny from the first minute and it’s easy to see why it’s been such a hit at other national fringe events.  As the ever more ingenious plot unfolds,  the action intensifies into a fight for the very existence of Planet Crease before a wonderful ‘Dirty Dancing’ inspired finale.

It’s pure Fringe and quite bonkers.