Fresh from a phenomenal sold out Edinburgh Fringe 2025 run, ROTUS: Receptionist Of The United States – a timely, satirical new play about the conservative women behind America’s corridors of power.
Looking like Karoline Leavitt, ROTUS: Receptionist of the United States has a lot of witty statements, phrases and one-liners. It’s hard to see why she isn’t just doing a parody of Karoline Leavitt rather than the Chastity character we’re presented. Her far right comments presented for comedic value might land a laugh and her Christian views and muffin baking personality fits a trope that we know too well.
Carrying out multi-roles of both male and female gender is a lot to ask. With multiple changes it’s an incredible feat of acting performance. It does however become a little testing as an audience member to keep up with it all. I found at one point that I couldn’t keep up and I gave up and just sat back to enjoy the clever funny writing.
There does seem to be a plot twist and Chastity ends up becoming the victim. Trying to become poignant after an Oval Office invasion where she’s injured didn’t really land. She’s shot and trampled but somehow rises to her feet to sing a torch-song.
The set is simply an office desk and chair, the props in one bag and one costume for the solo performer. This doesn’t feel like an expensive production that pushed the boat out. However, the sound and lighting are spot-on and really help with change of location, atmosphere and mood.
The comedy and the performance are superb but in these troubling times perhaps a more poignant play would feel more relevant and a little less flippant.
Leigh Douglas – Writer and Performer
Fiona Kingwill – Director
Rachel Sampley – Lighting Designer
Hattie North – Sound Designer
Sarah Hester Ross – Original Music Composer
ROTUS: Receptionist Of The United States
Dates: 20th January – 7th February
Venue: Park Theatre
Tickets link: https://parktheatre.co.uk/events/rotus-receptionist-of-the-united-states/