Cardstock

Cardstock

Lin Cao/Qianyue Ang/Rey Aviles/MUJIANLTDStudent/Youth company

60 minutesClover Studio
BL web novelist Mae is about to publish her first print book, but censorship forces her to revise it – triggering backlash from her obsessive fan Lily. As Lily’s buried trauma surfaces, Mae’s fantasy world begins to unravel, growing increasingly surreal and absurd. Drawn into the same interrogation room by surveillance and fate, the two women slowly build a fragile trust. This is a story about internet fringe culture, gender identity and female desire. It’s a torrent of images including abandoned manuscripts, folded posters and paper-thin characters. They attempt to rewrite a creased cardstock between fiction and reality.

About the show

Cardstock is an international theatre piece from a student and youth company, performed at the Clover Studio. BL web novelist Mae is about to publish her first print book when censorship forces her to revise it, triggering a backlash from her obsessive fan Lily. As Lily's buried trauma surfaces, Mae's fantasy world begins to unravel in increasingly surreal and absurd ways. Drawn together into the same interrogation room by surveillance and fate, the two women slowly build a fragile trust. The show explores internet fringe culture, gender identity and female desire, and runs for 60 minutes. Suitable for audiences aged 16 and over.

Why see this show?

A striking and visually inventive piece that takes internet culture and censorship as its starting point before going somewhere stranger and more personal. If you enjoy theatre that pushes into surreal territory while remaining emotionally grounded, this is a good choice.

Event Details

Monday 11 - Saturday 16 August 2025

All performances at 11:20

6 performances

60 minutes

2 performers

Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2025

Ticket Price

£10

Additional Information

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the show?

The show runs for 60 minutes.

Where is the show performed?

The show takes place at the Clover Studio.

What is the age guidance?

This show is suitable for audiences aged 16 and over.

How much do tickets cost?

Tickets are £10.

What kind of show is it?

It is an international theatre piece about a web novelist and her obsessive fan, exploring internet culture, gender identity and female desire through increasingly surreal drama.

Are there any content warnings?

The show contains distressing or potentially triggering themes.

About This Theatre Production

Cardstock is a theatre performance at Clover Studio during Edinburgh Festival 2025. Running for 60 minutes, this show is part of the world's largest arts festival, bringing together performers and audiences from across the globe.

Experience compelling storytelling brought to life by talented performers. Theatre at Edinburgh ranges from intimate black box productions to grand stage spectacles.

Venue: Clover Studio

Clover Studio 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

  • Check for trigger warnings if sensitive to certain topics
  • Most Fringe theatre runs without interval
  • Latecomers may not be admitted
  • Consider matinee performances for a relaxed experience

Booking Information

Ticket Prices: From £10

Age Guidance: 16+

Content Warnings: Contains distressing or potentially triggering themes

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.Cardstock represents the theatrical innovation that makes Edinburgh Festival unique.

Looking for more theatre shows at Edinburgh Festival 2025?

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Data provided courtesy of the Edinburgh Festivals Listings API