About Jo Kelen
Jo Kelen writes and performs Achilles, Death of the Gods, a poetic retelling of the myth of Achilles at The Snug during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. When his lover is killed in battle, Achilles is enveloped in an insatiable rage and inflicts unspeakable horrors on those around him — filling the river with bodies and mutilating the body of Hector. Only when he realises this will never give him compensation for his lover's death does he stop and weep. The show is directed by Kate Brown with dramaturgical support from Kevin Scully.
Why see this show?
A raw, poetic solo performance that strips the Achilles myth down to its emotional core — grief, rage and the moment a warrior finally breaks. Intimate and powerful spoken word storytelling at The Snug.
£8 (7)
Saturday 2 - Sunday 24 August 2025
All performances at 14:15
21 performances
45 mins
1 performers
Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2025
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the show?
Achilles, Death of the Gods runs for 45 minutes.
Where is it performed?
The show takes place at The Snug as part of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
What is the age guidance?
The show is recommended for audiences aged 16 and above.
How much do tickets cost?
Tickets are £8, with a concession rate also available — see the booking link on this page for details.
Are there content warnings?
Yes — the show contains distressing or potentially triggering themes and strong language and swearing.
What kind of performance is this?
It is a spoken word and theatre piece, also listed under LGBTQ+ categories, written and performed by Jo Kelen.
About This Performance
Achilles, Death of the Gods is a spoken word performance at The Snug during Edinburgh Festival 2025. Running for 45 minutes, this show is part of the world's largest arts festival, bringing together performers and audiences from across the globe.
Experience the magic of live performance at Edinburgh Festival. Each show offers something unique and memorable.
Venue: The Snug
The Snug is one of Edinburgh's Festival venues, hosting a variety of performances throughout August. Located in the heart of the city, the venue is accessible by public transport and within walking distance of other Festival locations.
Tips for Attending
- •Read recent reviews for audience reactions
- •Check venue accessibility if needed
- •Allow time to find unfamiliar venues
- •Download venue apps for digital tickets
Booking Information
Ticket Prices: £8 - £10
Age Guidance: 16+
Content Warnings: Contains distressing or potentially triggering themes, Strong language/swearing
Book early to avoid disappointment. Popular shows sell out quickly during Edinburgh Festival.
Part of Edinburgh Festival 2025
Edinburgh Festival transforms Scotland's capital into the world's leading cultural destination every August. With thousands of performances across hundreds of venues, the festival offers unparalleled choice for culture lovers.Achilles, Death of the Gods represents the creative spirit that makes Edinburgh Festival unique.
Looking for more spoken word shows at Edinburgh Festival 2025?
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Data provided courtesy of the Edinburgh Festivals Listings API
