At the centre of Provocateur is Tish — a confused but compelling character who commands the stage in full dominatrix gear: PVC, stilettos, and resting bitchface stare and after reprimanding the audience, they turns to their static gimp, who is there to administer all their commands as together they are preparing for a new sexy client in the dungeon.
But the kink is just the surface. Beneath the latex, Tish is a little lost. Stuck in Bognor Regis, wrestling with identity and gender expectations, and a tough slog at drama school. They don’t slot easily into the mould of a “leading man” – not blessed with a square jaw or deep voice; nor do they feel at home performing femininity as it’s traditionally defined. This internal tug-of-war is laid bare through direct, honest storytelling that’s made even more powerful by the intimacy of ACT’s theatre space, where every contradiction and hurdle is shared with the audience.
However, Tish doesn’t crace pity. They are pretty damn resilient – and after a flirtation on Grindr turns into something unexpected, they are offered a different kind of stage: one with ropes, safewords and room for reinvention.
Enter Letitia Delish — a latex-clad dominatrix with a whip in hand and power in her stride. For the first time, Tish doesn’t have to act — they get to be!
Letitia’s world is one of ritual, roleplay, and revelation. Through commanding clients and redefining control, Tish begins to unlock a truth about themselves, not just about gender or sexuality, but about owning one’s story. It’s funny, fierce, and deeply moving. Yes, there’s kink, but it isn’t seedy – it is portrayed as a sanctuary of self-expression.
The entire cast brings this world to life with commitment and nuance. Letitia Delish (in and out of character) delivers a powerhouse performance, balancing biting humour with raw vulnerability. Alex Chorley offers a brilliant counterpoint as the gimp — both as comic relief and emotional anchor — and their chemistry onstage is electric. Directed with precision and playfulness by Kade Cipher, Provocateur moves effortlessly between camp spectacle and poignant self-reflection.
Provocateur is more than a peek behind the dungeon door. It’s a bold, honest journey into self-discovery — a reminder to think big, embrace desire, and ignore the little voice that tells you to stay small. It challenges shame, celebrates transformation, and leaves its mark in more ways than one.
A show about latex, gender, fantasy, and finding yourself where you least expect — in control, in costume, and finally, in truth.
For more information on Provocateur or to book tickets, visit the Brighton Fringe website.
