Rowling In It
06 April 2026
King’s Head Theatre
4.0 out of 5.0 stars
Rowling In It, currently running at the King’s Head Theatre until 18 April, is a very intriguing story of the personal cost of public outrage. In 2024, Laura Kay Bailey was cast as J K Rowling in an EdFringe show that imagined the lead actors of the Harry Potter films confronting the author about her views on trans people. International outrage was soon replaced by dismal reviews of the show. Bailey was left pondering the relationship between art and politics, contemplating the fall-out of taking on such a controversial role, Rowling’s journey into radical activism, and her reactions to portraying a real person with values so different from her own.
The show offers a whirlwind glimpse into the development and production of a show that bit of more than it could chew, a chaotic production scrambling to make a point. In contrast, Bailey’s fictionalised account of her experience is a powerhouse performance that doesn’t skip a beat. An absolute masterclass in acting, she takes on a myriad of colourful characters, energetically whirling across the stage and never mincing words.
From the first excitement of being cast, over online controversy that was difficult to navigate, to an eventual staging of an unrefined show, Bailey takes the audience on a journey that focuses more on her personal experience than the controversy itself. There is a whole lot of humour in this razor sharp observational piece, expertly brought to the stage with a strong personality and unwavering honesty. Throughout the exploration of the tumultuous development of the fringe show, Bailey injects her own reflections on the controversy surrounding Rowling’s views, delivering an incredibly balanced and sincere analysis devoid of hostility. There is a fascinating depth of thought in the conclusions presented, validating the trans experience through personal analogies and deep empathy.
Rowling In It is a brilliantly funny and poignant play, meshing personal experience with public debate, definitely don’t miss this quick-witted production!
