Hunchback Variations

Theatre (absurdist, comedy)

  • Accessibility:
    Wheelchair Accessible Toilets
    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

Tortive Theatre is delighted to present the UK premiere of Mickle Maher’s absurdist masterpiece. Noted composer Ludwig Van Beethoven and noted Hunchback Quasimodo team up to chair a panel discussion on sound design, specifically their search for the baffling and impossible cue described at the end of Anton Checkhov’s The Cherry Orchard. This brilliant piece follows the pair’s frustrated efforts, complicated further by the fact that they are both quite deaf, with hilarious and possibly meaningful results. The Hunchback Variations is without a doubt one of contemporary theatre’s most masterful pieces of absurdist comedy.

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

  • Wheelchair Accessible Toilets
  • Accessible entry: If not taking the lift there is a full flight of stairs into the space.
  • Wheelchair access type: Platform Lift

  • Stairs: 11- 20
    Number of stairs is provided as guidance and is not in addition to any wheelchair access type (lift/ramp etc) stated above.

Each venue can contain several space with different accessibly information. Visit the venue page for full venue accessibility info


How and when to make an access booking

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

Brian R 126 days ago

I'll admit that I was nervous when I saw the word "absurdist" because in the past it's been a word that university troupes have used to describe their shows and it's meant "absolute incoherent nonsense." It took me about two minutes to snap out of it and realize...I LOVE this show. It's a very sharp script, it's two actors at the absolute tops of their games in terms of timing and knowing how to subtly play off each other and let moments breathe. I say this about very few Fringe shows, even ones I love---I wish this had been twice as long. I want this to be a weekly podcast. I want merch that I can wear. This is a very good show!

Amanda Bradley 137 days ago

If you love Fry and Laurie you’ll love this show! Brilliant absurd comedy. The characters dynamic and comedic timing was fantastic. Definitely go see it!

Agnes Joyce Wells 137 days ago

This is the stuff you want to find at The Fringe! A small venue presenting a fantastic show. What a find! We laughed so hard at the craziness of it all! Unfortunately we went on the last day so my review is not a crowd puller. But well done to the cast of two and also to the script writer. Better than Monty Python. Absurd concept of a panel show consisting of Beethoven and Quasimodo trying to make sense of Chekhov! One of our top shows.

Julie Morandi 140 days ago

Very funny. Witty show that kept you engaged. Certainly worth seeing!!

james smith 140 days ago

Excellent, funny, thought provoking. Brilliantly acted. Great way to start a day at the fringe.

Andrew Blais 141 days ago

An existential breakfast, this vortex of a two-- character show is a lot of fun. Great acting, great concept and in perhaps the deftest feat of meta theatre ever, it's the contemplation of one hand clapping that prompts the audience to clap two!

Lettie Prell 141 days ago

An espresso shot of alternative theater, leaving your mind more open all day. Its a sort-of symposium, a series of blackouts that never fail to fetch a laugh, & a panel discussion out beyond the limits of time & space, batting around conundrums about what we imagine & what's actually onstage-- & lots more, like the sound of bedroom slippers sloshing through a swamp. The whole thing's both out of whack & yet balanced on a toe-tip. It'd be a sin & a shame to miss these VARIATIONS.

Russ Wilcox 141 days ago

Loved this. A clever idea, perfectly executed, the result is fascinating and quietly thrilling. Most of this story is unexplained at start although you get a few more clues with each variation. The two actors were masterful. Together they were thesis and antithesis. And if your imagination will supply a synthesis, you might even... just in your mind... just for an instant... hear an impossible sound. Sublime.

Judy 141 days ago

An intense 35 minutes of humour, philosophical questioning and impressive acting from two masters of absurdist theatre. A brilliant way of starting the day

Martina 142 days ago

This is the kind of show you're so happy you decided to see. In the vastness of the fringe, it's a true gem that will tickle your brain, make you laugh out loud as well as tug on your heartstrings. It will stay with you for a long time.

Esme Davis 144 days ago

Such a brilliant way of staging some of art's oldest debates and questions! I couldn't stop chuckling to myself whilst also questioning pretty much everything going on, a brilliant way of bringing absurdist theatre to the fringe.

Bryony 144 days ago

We saw 12 shows and this was by far the best. Perfectly written, executed and performed.
And perfectly weird.

Hannah W 144 days ago

A quirky play performed by two very talented actors! Very enjoyable, would recommend.

Maria 145 days ago

This play packs so much humour, awkwardness, relatability and philosophical questions into its 35 minute runtime. Both actors are clearly in tune with, and compliment one another perfectly. I didn't know where this play was headed and it was a joy to watch!

Julie D 145 days ago

The multiple mini acts, quirky topic, and eccentric characters made for a unique and enjoyable experience. Both protagonists brought their respective iconic characters to life with humour and charm.

Tom Veck 145 days ago

A masterful performance of a wonderful play which works on so many levels. The subtleties in the delivery had me both giggling and marvelling. The depth of the play itself had me reflecting on what is truly important verses the futility of our exploits.

I’m glad to have been and feel my understanding will continue to unfold in the coming days!

Maze 146 days ago

Funny, confusing, unusual. A special play with great focus on the details.
Definitely worth watching!

Raya Ahmed 146 days ago

Excellent performance featuring French disdain mixed with German pride, existentialism, life silliness, all rolled into one. Not to mention the excellent acting. Absolutely recommend

Lucy Black 149 days ago

Beautifully constructed piece excellently delivered, using an absurd situation to cover so much depth in 35 minutes, funny, thoughtful excellent show and without a plot spoiler a perfect chekhovian device included

Shaun H 149 days ago

Beautifully absurd and gently whimsical. Will have you grinning and chuckling along throughout. Fascinating concept, expertly conceived and delivered.

Jo 150 days ago

Ever wondered how a panel discussion on the undertaking of an impossible task between a real, famous composer and a fictional bell ringer (both deaf) might play out? Well, you're in for a treat! Absurd, funny, brilliantly acted and unexpectedly profound; Hunchback Variations is a must-see at this year's fringe!

Steph 150 days ago

Absurd and poetic. Humorous and full of depth. Brilliantly performed!

John 151 days ago

What a brilliant show - two great actors, well directed, expertly practised, an absurdist feast not to be missed

Fiona B 151 days ago

I had seen both of these actors before so I was aware how talented they were but this was the first time I had the chance to see them working together. And what a result. The two are so in tune with each other, each small gesture and expression complimenting the other’s and resulting in an hilarious depiction of brilliantly scripted nonsense. A must see.

Naomi 152 days ago

A wonderful combination of humour and depth, brilliantly acted and directed, this play takes unexpected turns and challenges you in the best of ways. Not to be missed!

Lucie Marcoult 152 days ago

An hilarious play mastered by 2 great and very serious actors. Be prepared to have laugh and enjoy the poetry.

Thomas Wakeman 152 days ago

Probably the best Fringe show I've seen in years. Utterly bizarre and beautifully written. The two actors are sublime. Achingly funny and profound in equal measure. I cannot recommend this show more highly. If you see one show at this year's fringe...it's got to be this one.

Franziska 152 days ago

I got to see the show in Hamburg and loved it! Hilarious to see it getting increasingly absurd as Ludwig van Beethoven and Quasimodo try to to create Chekov’s famous sound from The Cherry Orchard! Great performance from both actors, too! Def recommend!

Florence Gautrais 153 days ago

This piece of theater is just hilarious. I saw the piece in Germany and the play of the two most famous :deaf artists, Ludwig van Beethoven and Quasimodo, trying to to create Chekov’s famous sound effect, was interpreted in an absolute fantastic way.

A Fantastic one to see. So enjoyable !

Gwenaelle 153 days ago

I was in the preview of the show in Hamburg. Very good duets. Just have a wonderful moment !


Participants - for further details on our audience and published review policies, including how to add or opt out of reviews, please click here.

FringeReview 142 days ago

Chicago playwright Mickel Maher has a reputation for writing fantastical plays featuring historical artists, or infusing his works with their works and The Hunchback Variations is no exception featuring Beethoven, Checkov and Victor Hugo (via one of his creations Quasimodo). In this short two-hander Ludvig and Quasi, both deaf, are in an unlikely and uneven collaboration to recreate a sound mentioned as a stage direction twice in the Cherry Orchard. That Beethoven meets Quasimodo collab play you never knew you wanted is at Edinburgh Fringe.

Read the full review

UK Theatre Web (5/5 stars) 146 days ago

Tortive Theatre present an immaculate, absorbing production of this absurdist comedy.

Read the full review

Broadway Baby (5/5 stars) 147 days ago

This is the perfect Fringe show.

Read the full review


Participants - for further details on our audience and published review policies, including how to add or opt out of reviews, please click here.

Please login to add a review


Participants - for further details on our audience and published review policies, including how to add or opt out of reviews, please click here.