Play Dead, a new work by Bailey Edwards, arrives at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe as a darkly comic and emotionally raw exploration of heartbreak, obsession and identity.
Directed by Mia Hull, the production follows Echo, who is reeling from the aftermath of a breakup. In a moment of desperation, he kidnaps his ex-partner’s dog, hoping to provoke a reaction. What begins as an act of petty revenge soon spirals into a much deeper and more unsettling confrontation.
As the narrative unfolds, Play Dead moves from confessional comedy into something far more mythic and intense, blending contemporary storytelling with influences from Ovid’s Metamorphoses. The result is a visceral and unflinching examination of grief, addiction and the extremes of emotional attachment.
The staging incorporates experimental sound design by Ellie Isherwood, whose live-built soundscape evolves throughout the performance. This immersive audio environment mirrors Echo’s deteriorating mental state, creating a shifting and volatile theatrical experience.
With its bold mix of dark humour and emotional intensity, Play Dead offers audiences a challenging and thought-provoking piece that interrogates the nature of love and loss.
Play Dead runs at Underbelly Cowgate from 05 – 30 August at 15:40. Tickets are on sale here
