Ece Mustafoff

Tomato Queen: a one-woman comedy celebrating the gloriously unpicked, unpolished and undeniably unforgettable

Tomato Queen is a one-woman comedy that celebrates the gloriously unpicked, unpolished and proudly outside beauty standards. Inspired by the legendary Turkish actress Ayşen Gruda, affectionately nicknamed “Domates Güzeli” (Tomato Beauty) after a national commercial. Gruda was never cast as romantic lead and often mocked for her looks, yet her comedic brilliance stole every scene and the hearts of a nation. This show pays tribute to people like her. Ece Mustafoff, herself a proud Tomato Queen, brings to life a motley crew of characters who don’t fit the mould, don’t get picked and are routinely overlooked. But each one leaves an unforgettable mark. The ‘Tomatoes’ you’ll meet are eccentric, lovingly flawed, a little sad and desperate to be seen.

Tomato Queen explores the lives of those on the margins of desirability who still command centre stage with wit, warmth and wild charm. It’s a comedy for anyone who’s ever felt too weird, too loud, too awkward, or not quite “right”. And it’s here to prove that being outside the standard isn’t a flaw, it’s where the magic lives.