Seeking a Pen Pal for the End of the World

Seeking a Pen Pal for the End of the World

Eddie JenProfessional company

60 minutesJust Up the Stairs
After Trump 1.0's mob breached the US capitol to destroy democracy on January 6th, 2021, an immigrant drag queen attorney from San Francisco began writing to a retired, White, Republican woman in Bountiful, Utah – his high school English teacher from thirty years ago. What happens when the political discussions stop and the personal begins? Can you really be friends with your former teacher? An interactive performance, with reading and writing prompts. We tell the story of our lives. For everyone who remembers their English teachers most fondly.

About Eddie Jen

Seeking a Pen Pal for the End of the World is an interactive theatre performance by Eddie Jen, a drag queen attorney from San Francisco. The show traces an unlikely correspondence that began after a mob breached the US Capitol — between Jen and a retired, White, Republican woman in Bountiful, Utah who had been his high school English teacher from thirty years earlier. What happens when political discussion gives way to the personal? The 60-minute show includes reading and writing prompts, and is recommended for audiences aged 14 and over.

Why see this show?

An intimate, interactive show built on a genuinely unlikely real-world friendship, this is theatre that hands the audience a pen and invites them in. Thoughtful, personal and warm, it asks what remains when politics steps aside.

Event Details

Friday 1 - Sunday 24 August 2025

All performances at 13:05

18 performances

60 minutes

1 performers

Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2025

Ticket Price

£9

Additional Information

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Seeking a Pen Pal for the End of the World about?

It traces the correspondence between performer Eddie Jen — an immigrant drag queen attorney from San Francisco — and his retired, White, Republican former high school English teacher from Bountiful, Utah, which began after a mob breached the US Capitol.

Is the audience asked to participate?

Yes — the show is interactive and includes reading and writing prompts for the audience.

How long is the show?

The show runs for 60 minutes.

Where is it performed?

The show is at Just Up the Stairs at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

Is there an age guidance?

The show is recommended for audiences aged 14 and over.

How much are tickets?

Tickets are £9. See the booking link on this page for current availability.

About This Theatre Production

Seeking a Pen Pal for the End of the World is a theatre performance at Just Up the Stairs 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: Just Up the Stairs

Just Up the Stairs 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 £9

Age Guidance: 14+

Content Warnings: Audience participation

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.Seeking a Pen Pal for the End of the World 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