Comedian, actor and voice artist Mel Hudson is heading to Edinburgh Fringe this August with her debut solo show, Richard Ashcroft Revived My Libido. Before then, London audiences can catch preview performances at the Museum of Comedy from 17–19 July.
Honest, funny and joyfully unexpected, the show marks Mel’s return to live comedy after a significant break — and it all begins with a Richard Ashcroft gig.
1. A Richard Ashcroft concert sparked the whole thing
The title is not just there to grab attention. A gig by former The Verve frontman Richard Ashcroft becomes the unexpected catalyst for Mel Hudson’s new show, reminding her that desire, energy and possibility are still very much alive.
Rather than framing libido purely as sex, Mel uses it as a way into something broader: creativity, direction, life force and the feeling of being pulled back towards the world.
As Mel puts it: “Libido is not just sex. It’s about direction, energy, creative force, and what it feels like to be drawn towards life again.”
2. It is about midlife, freedom and feeling reawakened
Richard Ashcroft Revived My Libido is not a show about divorce, heartbreak or dramatic reinvention. Instead, it explores a very particular point in life: after years of intensive parenting, but before the next wave of responsibilities arrives.
Mel describes it as an interval — a strange and possibly temporary freedom where women are no longer entirely defined by caring roles. The show celebrates this moment with warmth, humour and a sense of rediscovery.
There is also a brilliant phrase attached to it: “Queenagers”. It feels fitting for a show about energy, mischief and midlife momentum.
3. Mel Hudson has a brilliant comedy pedigree
Mel Hudson will be familiar to comedy fans from a range of much-loved work. She played Nina Vanier in Knowing Me, Knowing You with Alan Partridge, appeared as Lauren’s French teacher in The Catherine Tate Show, and was one half of the acclaimed Radio 4 comedy duo Hudson and Pepperdine.
Hudson and Pepperdine last performed at the Edinburgh Fringe in 1999, making this new show a real full-circle moment. It is also Mel’s first solo stand-up show in 15 years, giving the whole thing a real sense of return, renewal and spark.
4. The show blends stand-up, storytelling and personal reflection
The show moves through different stages of Mel’s life, from adolescence to midlife, taking in childhood imaginary friends, dating apps, desire, parenting and the unexpected places where we rediscover ourselves.
That mix of personal storytelling and sharp comedy gives the show its appeal. It sounds revealing without being self-pitying, honest without being heavy, and life-affirming without becoming sentimental.
Phil Clarke, producer of Peep Show, has described it as: “What an honest and funny show — so cleverly insightful & life-affirming.”
5. You can see the London previews before Edinburgh
Before Mel takes the show to Edinburgh Fringe, London audiences can catch Richard Ashcroft Revived My Libido at the Museum of Comedy from 17–19 July.
It is a chance to see a work-in-progress version of a show that feels personal, funny and properly alive. With its mix of music, midlife reflection and comedy confidence, Mel Hudson sounds ready to return to the stage fully re-Verved.
Book tickets for the London preview shows at the Museum of Comedy here: https://www.museumofcomedy.com/richard-ashcroft-revived-my-libido-wip/
