The case’s notoriety still follows Knox; since Kercher’s death, Knox has written two books about her imprisonment and served as an executive producer on the biographical drama The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox.
According to The Guardian, external, she opens Cartwheel by telling the audience: “Welcome to the most controversial show at the Fringe.”
The publication noted that those expecting insensitive remarks about Kercher would be proved wrong, describing Cartwheel as a “respectful” attempt to reclaim her story.
Broadway World, external gave the show three stars, emphasising that it is not “jokes about murder”, but a piece about how Knox might one day explain the case to her young daughter.
Like other reviewers, it argued that the issue lies in billing the show as stand‑up comedy.
The outlet said the material is not offensive or inappropriate but was “just not very funny.”
The Times, external also questioned the show’s framing, saying Knox needed a director and describing Cartwheel as “more of a one‑woman show than stand‑up”.
The Daily Telegraph, external echoed that a “decent director” was needed, concluding that the show is “delivered with too much actorly poise, and no sense whatsoever for comic timing”.
Taken together, the reviews paint a picture of a show shaped more by personal reflection than conventional comedy, something Knox herself acknowledges.
She told the BBC she is using comedy to explore trauma and motherhood.
“I hope people will honestly engage in my work and recognise the deep heart and sensitivity that I bring to it as I tell a very personal story,” she said.
But Kercher’s sister, Stephanie, told BBC Breakfast she fears the show risks “normalising and trivialising” violence against women, and her sister, in particular.
A petition set up by a friend of Meredith Kercher gathered nearly 5,000 signatures before the show launched, arguing the show disrespects her memory.
The Fringe show has an 11-day run in the Gilded Balloon Teviot.
Its title Cartwheel references a story that once claimed Knox did cartwheels in the police station after her British roommate’s death.
