Edinburgh Fringe Review 15th August 2026

Mother Superior

I first saw Michael John Ciszewski at the 2024 Edinburgh Fringe, performing his show If Memory Serves. I wasn’t reviewing shows at the time, but, if memory serves, I recall enjoying it very much.

Two years later, he returns to the Fringe with Mother Superior at Bedlam Theatre. As a converted church, the venue provides a wonderfully appropriate backdrop for a show filled with stories about religion. Good planning!

The premise is delightfully ambitious: Ciszewski intends to canonise his mother as a saint in just one hour. We hear stories of his New York upbringing and of being raised by his mother, a nurse, whose profession has a deeply personal connection to a revelation later in his life. I don’t want to spoil the show, so I will leave you to discover that for yourself.

Clever use of sound, props and projections helps bring these stories to life. Ciszewski is an accomplished queer comedian and storyteller who knows how to hold an audience. With Mother Superior, he has created another highly engaging, funny and entertaining show.

Following the performance, I spoke with Michael John Ciszewski about Mother, Superior, the inspiration behind the show and bringing it to the Edinburgh Fringe.

Production: Michael John Ciszewski: Mother, Superior

Company: Play Your Part, LLC

Venue: Bedlam Theatre

Date reviewed: 15 August 2026

Running time: 60 minutes

Tickets and information: Edinburgh Fringe website

Video interview with Michael John Ciszewski

Disclosure: I attended with a complimentary press ticket.