A new musical in London opens with a striking premise: a religious sect in Nebraska wears butt plugs continuously after receiving a warning that failure to do so will bring divine wrath.
The group’s leader claims a direct message from the Holy Spirit, and a small faction obeys. Seven years later, the unplugged population vanishes in an event known as The Great Sucking, lifted into the air and lost.
Two teenagers raised within the sect are sent on a mission and discover that the only survivors are those who happened to be wearing plugs, including an unrelated group cast as outsiders.
The production is currently staged at Soho Theatre before transferring to the Edinburgh Fringe. Its unusual concept drew attention for both its absurdity and its execution.
Despite a comedic framing built on provocative material, the show is performed by a two-person musical comedy team with strong vocal harmony and physical theatricality.
Using minimal props and imaginative staging, the performers sustain an atmosphere that balances vulgar humor with unexpected emotional warmth.
The 80-minute show contains no interval and has been received with loud, sustained audience reaction throughout its run.
Beneath the explicit comedy lies a narrative about two young people confronting self-discovery beyond the limits of their isolated upbringing.
The work has been described as genuinely moving, with laughter shifting at points into more reflective response from viewers.
The production runs at Soho Theatre until August 1, then moves to a venue at the Edinburgh Fringe from August 5 through August 30.
