Turn Your F*cking Phones Off Review: Big Tech Takedown 2026

Turn Your F*cking Phones Off is a tremendous takedown of big tech, and this Edinburgh Fringe review explores how Hannah Maxwell's show blends humor with a serious warning about our digital lives. In a world where smartphones dominate every waking moment, Maxwell delivers a performance that is both entertaining and unsettling. Her unique approach combines personal narrative, audience participation, and sharp social commentary, making it one of the most talked-about shows of the festival.

Why This Show Matters in the Age of Big Tech

Maxwell's previous work, Babyfleareindeerbag, tested comedic blueprints, but she chose to focus on the threat of tech bros for this production. The title, Turn Your F*cking Phones Off, is not just a command to the audience—it's a reminder to herself. She openly admits her own smartphone addiction and the data she unknowingly provides. This self-awareness makes the show relatable and powerful, as she uses an old-school payphone to deliver key segments, symbolizing a pre-digital era.

The Dual Narratives: Money Job and Screen Addiction

The show fuses two storylines. One is her first-person account of working a "money job" for a clandestine organization that specializes in influencing public discourse. This involved international travel, data collection, and subliminal messaging. The other narrative follows her growing concern about her screen addiction and her complicity in feeding an online machine that profits from discord—not just accidentally, but as a deliberate right-wing policy. These strands converge when repercussions from her old job make her more alert to the damaging impact of algorithms on democracy.

Audience Participation and Real-World Connection

Maxwell's playful use of mass karaoke and party games makes the show fun to be part of. She creates real-world connections among audience members, offering an alternative to the online forces that tear us apart. As she goes into digital detox, she retreats from doomscrolling and dopamine hits, but her greater fear is the fundamental assault on democracy. The show is a call to action, urging us to reconsider our relationship with technology.

Data Table: The Impact of Screen Addiction

Critical Acclaim and Festival Success

Critics have praised the show for its fervour and merriment. Maxwell delivers her analysis with equal parts passion and humor, making it a standout at the Edinburgh Fringe. The show runs at Summerhall until 31 August, and it's a must-see for anyone concerned about the influence of big tech on our lives. Her ability to tackle such a heavy topic while keeping the audience engaged is a testament to her skill as a performer.

Key Takeaways from the Show

• Big tech profits from discord, and we are complicit.
• Screen addiction is a real threat to democracy.
• Real-world connections are the antidote to online manipulation.
• Digital detox can be both freeing and frightening.

FAQ

In conclusion, Turn Your F*cking Phones Off is a must-see for anyone who has ever felt enslaved by their smartphone. It's a hilarious yet sobering reminder of the power we give away every time we scroll. Don't miss this tremendous takedown of big tech—book your tickets today.

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