Hive
Theatre (sci-fi, storytelling)
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Venue 139Assembly Roxy - Downstairs
- 16:35
- Aug 15
- 1 hour
- Country: United Kingdom - England
- Group: Mushmoss Collective and Speakerphone Productions
- Warnings and additional info: Strong language/swearing, More information
- Accessibility: May not apply to all performances. You'll find more information about accessibile performances and how to book tickets in the accessibility tab below.
- Babes in arms policy: Babies do not require a ticket
- Policy applies to: Children under 18 months
Description
Uncanny adventure. A demolition site. A new queer, weird fiction play about housing insecurity, displacement and corporate development. Using lyrical language to explore lost homes, new storms and eldritch infestations. Reluctant Megacorp conservationist and single mum Ria has been called in to sort a hive. It's halting work, messing up the bottom line. Plus it’s the worst possible timing because Ria's teenage kid Salve was just suspended for unrepentant thievery. But cagey site manager Craig hints at something more… unusual. More sinister. Director of Colossal, Winner Best Show of the Edinburgh Fringe 2022. Originally commissioned by The Space.Please note that while all media gallery content is provided by verified members of the event, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society does not review or approve this content before it is posted. Reports of inappropriate content or copyright infringement can be directed to [email protected].
General venue access
- Accessible entry: There are 15 steps en-route to this space.
- Stairs: 11- 20
Wheelchair access type: Not fully wheelchair accessible
Each venue can contain several space with different accessibly information. Visit the venue page for full venue accessibility info
Captioned performances
- Dates: 10 August
- Type: Closed (Tablet)
- Booking options: You can book independently online, or contact our access team to book your tickets and request any specific seating locations or if booking a unit is required.
Relaxed performances
- Dates: 6 August
- Booking options: You can book independently online, or contact our access team for more information or to discuss any accessibility requirements. Character Introduction Details
- Additional information: Information not supplied

Be aware that this show features:
- Performer goes into audience area
- Flashing Lights/Strobed Lighting
- Loud/repetitive/high pitched/unexpected or overlapping sound
- Special effects (e.g. smoke/bubbles/pyrotechnics)
- Heavily dialogue-driven scenes
- Permission to move around and make noise
- Show guide or synopsis or character list
Show does not feature:
- Total Audience Black Out
- Distinctive smells
- Latex balloons
- Characters expressing anger
- Audience required to walk around
- Audience required to undertake directed movement
- Audience required to sing/speak along with/for performer
- Audience invited on stage
- An intermission
- Audience chill out area
- Permission to engage with performer
How and when to make an access booking
- Phone: +44 (0)131 226 0002
- Email: [email protected]
- Textphone: +44 (0)7860 018 299
- Find out more about access at the Fringe.
Our access tickets service is available to anyone who:
- Would like to book specific accessibility services, e.g. a hearing loop, audio description headsets, captioning units, seating in relation to the location of the BSL interpreter
- Requires extra assistance when at a venue
- Has specific seating requirements
- Is a wheelchair user
- Requires a complimentary personal assistant ticket to attend a performance
Julie Diewald 42 days ago
An interesting sci-fi story. The lighting, sound and effects all added to the mood. Effective way of distinguishing the hive from the other characters. Emotionally resonant.
Snap Judgement 43 days ago
★★★☆☆ Enjoyable, Despite the Flaws
THE GOOD
* Apocalyptic Ambiance. Atmospheric fusion of lights and smoke created a very fitting mood.
* Creative writing. A new and intriguing sci-fi story written for the stage
THE NOT SO GOOD
* Fog Overdose. While atmospheric, a tad too smoky for those with sensitive eyes.
* Descriptive narrative. Underutilised show and tell possibilities.
* Sci-fi cravings. The Hive remained an enigma with the narrative favouring human ties.
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My Instagram for more reviews like this: @snap.judgement.reviews
Leo Avalon 44 days ago
Like all good sci fi Hive unfolds in unexpected ways. Stay focused, pay attention, the prose is rapid, rich and multilayered. Grief, regret and moments of deep healing play out on a elegantly minimal set. Excellent use of tech in both audio and lights. I particularly identified with and enjoyed the actress playing the mother. Highly recommended.
Nicholas Cohen 46 days ago
Very atmospheric and immersive show. Really transports you to a different world.
Great performances, superb lighting and good score.
Elin Doyle is very strong as the mother character - by turns sardonic and witty, anxious and bewildered and finally very moving as she recounts her grief.
Emily Millwood is vivacious and sensitive as her daughter.
Highly intriguing and enjoyable theatre.
Albert Lin 46 days ago
5 stars! A touching and psychedelic piece about shared trauma and reconnecting. Beautiful lighting and sound that draws you into the characters. :)
Maria vK 46 days ago
Beautiful show! Lovingly developed relationship and a super thrilling sci-fi plot, which I have not often seen in theater. Amazing performance by both actors, who act out and narrate not only the complex relationship between mother&child as well as the plot, managing to keep tension high all throughout.
Also gorgeous lighting design! Really atmospheric! The whole show felt quiet cinematic with its precision and fast pace
Cathy Conneff 50 days ago
What an absolutely beautiful show.
Every element of the show absolutely perfectly comes together to create this fantastical world and it’s staggering! Really deeply moving, and managed to be otherworldly but deeply human at the same time.
The lighting, sound and design is fantastic. The writing is witty, touching and poetic, the action is pacey and exciting and again, beautiful. The actors are both incredibly good - we see a whole relationship here, not just a snapshot. Wonderful work from everyone.
James Robinson 51 days ago
Really enjoyed this, once I got a handle on the storytelling process. Great fun, with an interesting plot. Would like to know more about the world of Hive...
estbau 53 days ago
Queer take on sci-fi turning what you expect to be dystopic into utopia. Finding queer joy in futurist experiences. Amazing acting and storytelling with great atmospheric lighting work!
Joseph Verney 53 days ago
Absolutely loved it. My favourite show that I saw at the fringe. Both the acting and writing are fantastic. The story is fresh and really showcases the emotional core through creative choices. Highly recommend.
Shona Mcintosh 54 days ago
Fascinating! Complex story line with strong performances by both actors. Thought provoking. 4****
Participants - for further details on our audience and published review policies, including how to add or opt out of reviews, please click here.
Starburst Magazine 40 days ago
Theatre Weekly 43 days ago
Binge Fringe 47 days ago
WestEndBestFriend 51 days ago
Participants - for further details on our audience and published review policies, including how to add or opt out of reviews, please click here.
Participants - for further details on our audience and published review policies, including how to add or opt out of reviews, please click here.