The Last Show Before We Die

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Theatre (cabaret, dark comedy)

  • Venue 26
    ROUNDABOUT @ Summerhall - ROUNDABOUT
  • 21:40
  • Aug 27
  • 55 minutes
  • Suitability: 16+ (Guideline)
  • Country: United Kingdom - England
  • Group: Hotter Project and Ellie Keel Productions
  • Warnings and additional info: Audience participation, Contains distressing or potentially triggering themes
  • Accessibility:
    Captioning
    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 2 years

Description

Ell and Mary have been dead for three years, but now they’ve come back to life (and the stage) with one question on their minds: how do you know when it’s the end? Inspired by zombies, heartbreak, and the humble cockroach, The Last Show Before We Die is an existential cabaret about the big things in life. And death. From the creators of smash-hit shows HOTTER and FITTER. ‘Riotously funny’ **** (Evening Standard).

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General venue access

  • Captioning
  • Accessible entry: Information not supplied

    • Wheelchair access type: Wheelchair accessible (please contact the venue for more information)

  • Stairs: Information not supplied

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

Captioned performances

  • Dates: 2 August, 4 August, 5 August, 6 August, 7 August, 9 August, 10 August, 11 August, 12 August, 13 August, 14 August, 16 August, 17 August, 18 August, 19 August, 20 August, 21 August, 23 August, 24 August, 25 August, 26 August, 27 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.

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

Neil 25 days ago

Loved loved loved this show. I have seen some other shows that try to do the same kind of twists (don't want to spoil it) to underline the show's themes, only to fluff it with the execution. This show not only nails those moments, but is able to present a beautifully well put together performance, that is entertaining as much as it is smart.

Can't give high enough praise to Mary and Ell.

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Jonathan Smith 27 days ago

The Last Show Before We Die is a bizarre and surreal show about endings. It is based around recordings of interviews with people on the subject, which are played but difficult to focus on due to the madness on the stage. The show is inspired by the intention of the performers Ell Potter and Mary Higgins to end their complicated and intense relationship. It is a messy, chaotic, rollercoaster ride, which I sometimes found random and incoherent. Although in the theatre section of the programme and described as an existential cabaret, I think my friend's description of performance art fits better. I haven't seen anything like it and it was memorable, with a rapturous reception at the performance I saw. Performances have been sold out but tickets may become available an hour before the show.

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Eve Connolly 27 days ago

Absolutely wonderful & brave! I was wowed, laughed & cried from beginning to end. What a talented duo! I feel so privileged to have experienced this show!!

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Ken Dixon 27 days ago

A rollercoaster ride through life's endings... beginnings... what-ifs, and soul-searching questions.
Empathy and angst in a super-tight performance; with a soundscape and opening that grabs you from the off.
Thanks for sharing and inviting us into your world.

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Alice Connolly 27 days ago

Wow!! Wow!! Wow!! If this literally was the last show I saw before I died, I'd have died very happy!! This was amazing!! These performers bare EVERYTHING on that stage (body & soul)!! So creative, so relatable, so funny, so moving - my favourite show at the Fringe this year!! The amount of energy the performers had as well - you'd have thought it was their first night! So amazing!!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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Lee Williams 32 days ago

Wacky, unpredictable, existential and brilliant comedy about endings, new beginnings and everything in between. Both Mary and Ell were absolute stars, venue was great and left wanting more. Strongly recommend.

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Cez 43 days ago

Wasn't sure what to expect from this show initially, but you can't help but warm to Ell and Mary. Their symbiotic relationship clearly pushes them and inhibits them and it's the messiness inbetween that captures you. Endings are messy, break ups are messy, contrived or not the inspiration behind this show is clear, growing up is hard to do and I very much hope this isn't their last show.

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

FringeReview 15 days ago

At the Edinburgh Fringe, where thousands of shows are in offer, The Last Show Before We Die is an incredibly unique show and the epitome of the Fringe essence, with experimentation, outstanding performances and powerful stories.

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North West End UK (4/5 stars) 24 days ago

If theatre is meant to be an experience, this was undoubtedly that.

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The Crumb (4/5 stars) 32 days ago

It’s a beautiful and lovingly constructed performance, I was properly moved by a number of the sections - you’d have to have a heart of stone not to be.

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euronews 34 days ago

One of the most jaw-dropping shows of this year’s Fringe.

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Theatre Weekly (4/5 stars) 38 days ago

Forces us to confront the realities ahead of us, but it’s also filled with moments of comic joy

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Lost in Theatreland (4/5 stars) 39 days ago

The duo give stellar performances, bursting with energy throughout

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WestEndBestFriend (4/5 stars) 42 days ago

Inspirational, refreshing and provocative.

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Edinburgh Guide (5/5 stars) 42 days ago

If you’re struggling with an ending of your own or just need to see theatre that makes you want to shout, “Now THAT’S the Fringe”, do not miss this.

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Broadway World (5/5 stars) 44 days ago

The Last Show Before We Die is one of the most bizarre shows of this year’s festival. At the same time however, it’s one of the most moving.

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

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