Never Get to Heaven in an Empty Shell

Theatre (solo show)

  • Pleasance Courtyard - Bunker Three
  • 12:50
  • Aug 25
  • 1 hour
  • Suitability: 14+ (Guideline)
  • Country: United Kingdom - England
  • Group: Claudia Fielding
  • Warnings and additional info: This show contains strong language and references to suicide.
  • Accessibility:
    Audio enhancement system
    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 2 years

Description

Claud's stuck. Big time. Aimlessly drifting between her job as a ghost tour guide to reluctant family dinners to endless bad dates in even worse pubs, Claud is in limbo. Still finding her feet 10 years after her dad died, an unlikely encounter with a ghost at Angel Station comes with the realisation that she's got work to do. Forced to question mortality in this tragically semi-autobiographical tragicomedy, will her rendezvous with the dead persuade her to start living again? 'Fielding performs... with comedic timing and droll, ironic delivery' (LondonPubTheatres.com).

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General venue access

  • Audio enhancement system
    Wheelchair Accessible Toilets
  • Accessible entry: Via a driveway from the main road. Performance space is on Ground Floor with no steps.
  • Wheelchair access type: Level Access

  • Stairs: Information not supplied

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

Naz Iskandar 14 days ago

This show was so good (and so touching and emotional) that I decided to call it a day early and head to the airport as nothing else that day was going top it!

Emotional, incredibly touching, with the right amount of relatable laughs (as a 26 year old living in London)! I can’t find the words to describe it really. I’ll have a go and say - it perfectly describes life in London, and feeling stuck “in between”. Not going to say any more than that as I’m not keen on spoiling anything!

June Taylor 20 days ago

A one-woman show so I wasn’t expecting this to be one of my favourite shows of the Fringe. But experiencing the emotional honesty and fragility of Claud’s performance and taking part in her journey really moved me and felt like a huge privilege. GO SEE IT!!!

Clive MacTavish 20 days ago

A brilliant show - in parts comic, then thoughtful, poignant and moving. Claudia is terrific. Her delivery and engagement never waivers over the hour as the story moves from scene to scene as her memories and stories flow together. Deserves the 5 stars seen on the posters!

Kierna Corr 22 days ago

I found this so moving, the actor is so good at conveying that lost feeling when you lose a parent. An excellent production that deserves bigger audiences. Bravo.

Gwithian Evans 23 days ago

I had the privilege of seeing this in my fleeting visit to Edinburgh and I was blown away by the sincerity and care of the performance. The plotting was excellent, the direction spot on and the main actor was utterly captivating. You must go and see this one before the fringe is over!!

Flo Petrie 23 days ago

A wonderfully well written piece. The characters journey through the piece is engaging and exciting. The story leaves you wanting more, and wondering what does getting to heaven look like. Not one to miss!

Louise Wilkin 34 days ago

A riveting, powerful and moving performance. In such an intimate venue, time stands still and you really feel the emotion of the clever story-telling. It has been a few days now since we saw the show, and I find I keep thinking about it more and more. The Fringe at its best; a must see.

Isaac Ellis 34 days ago

Dealing with a parents passing is never an easy task, but this show creates a wonderful exploration of grief and letting go. It's moving, it's funny and it's a beautiful tale to behold. Very worth your time.

Abigail Rolling 37 days ago

Yesterday the audience was held utterly captive by Claudia Fielding's writing and performance, full of bathos and authenticity, taking us through one woman's personal grief and her merciful ascension out of it. The direction and production is skilfully understated, giving space to the performance and its meaning. Hats off ladies.

Jennifer Johnston-Watt 37 days ago

What a great performance - I wasn't the only person in the audience who was really moved. Original, surreal, comical and heartfelt. Highly recommended.


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

The British Theatre Guide (4/5 stars) 14 days ago

Frankly, Fielding’s new play is an extremely endearing one, which drags the audience into Claud’s head as she starts to re-examine her life and the people and events in it.

Read the full review

Fringesider (4/5 stars) 17 days ago

There's a lovely feeling when you know you are watching a sharp piece of writing and even more so when a fantastic actor performs it

Read the full review

The Scotsman (3/5 stars) 22 days ago

this one-woman play is stranger than it initially seems

Read the full review

The Edinburgh Reporter (3/5 stars) 22 days ago

This tragicomedy monologue is engagingly told with droll delivery moving easily from bathos to pathos

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.

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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.