Winner of The Scotsman FRINGE FIRST Award 2025
Winner of The Skinny Award THE BESTIES 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “A triumph of truth, tinsel and theatrical resistance” The List
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Glorious, heartfelt, utterly uplifting” What’s On Stage
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “An absolute hilarious delight” British Theatre Guide
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Utter joy…. just brilliant” All Edinburgh Theatre
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “An absolute cracker… wonderful.” ScotsGay Arts
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “A surprisingly moving piece of theatre” The Queer Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “As amusing as it was insightful” North West End UK
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “A force of nature… flawless” The Skinny
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Sheer joy… an out and out crowdpleaser” The Quintessential Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “It is joy, a riot of fun, and uplifts your spirits” Fringe Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Of all the solo shows at the Fringe, this is a strong contender for top spot” The Reviews Hub
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “An unexpected gem…. outstanding” Roland’s Substack
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “So smart, so funny, captured my heart” Mickey Jo Theatre
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “A cyclonic blast, as big and bold as its glittering protagonist” Bouquets & Brickbats
⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Tremendous” The Guardian
⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Ebullient and joyfully unfettered” The Telegraph
⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Blazingly vivid and extremely funny” The Arts Desk
⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Delicious… one of Scottish theatre’s great success stories” Across The Arts
⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Delightfully defiant” The Scotsman
⭐⭐⭐⭐ “(a) candid tour de force” The Herald
⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Wildly funny” Broadway Ben
⭐⭐⭐⭐ “A fierce reminder that tradition only endures when it evolves” Broadway Baby
⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Through laughter or empathy, it’ll bring a tear to your eye.” Fest Mag
Written and performed by Johnny McKnight, Directed by John Tiffany
Designed by Kenny Miller, Composer & Sound Design by Ross Brown, Lighting Design by Grant Anderson, Head of Costume Jennie Loof, Illusion Advisor Jamie Harrison, Stage Manager Sarah Jenkins, Deputy Stage Manager Gillian Richards, Assistant Stage Manager Scott Ringan
WORLD PREMIERE | Traverse Theatre | Friday 25 July – Sunday 24 Aug 2025
Johnny McKnight has spent a lifetime in the pantosphere. After playing eighteen dames and writing more than thirty pantomimes, he invites you to take a peek underneath his hooped skirt and join him on a transformative journey.
She’s Behind You reflects on Johnny’s adventures in panto, entertaining audiences across Scotland over twenty years. Pantomime may be the most popular genre of theatre but it can also be the most conventional. His story is a testament to pushing the boundaries of the art form through a candid exploration of identity, courage and – finally – acceptance.
She’s Behind You is a collaboration with award-winning director John Tiffany which unearths the magic, music and madness behind the curtain with a story as touching it is hilarious. It’s a celebration of shifting traditions and the unexpected beauty found in the anarchy of pantomime.
She’s Behind You was originally conceived as part of the Cameron Lectures, in association with the University of Glasgow and the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.
COMMISSIONED BY THE NATIONAL THEATRE OF SCOTLAND AND TRAVERSE THEATRE. PRODUCED BY THE TRAVERSE THEATRE IN ASSOCIATION WITH THE NATIONAL THEATRE OF SCOTLAND.
johnny mcknight - writer and director 