Thorn and Petal Stick: UnScripted Shakespeare

Thorn and Petal Stick: UnScripted Shakespeare

Thorn and Petal Stick (New York, USA)Amateur Company

60 minutestheatre
A fully improvised narrative play in the style of William Shakespeare from Thorn and Petal Stick, alias veteran improvisers Hal Munger, John Mistele and Nick Zimmerman, founders of the first UnScripted Shakespeare Festival in New York. Nothing is pre-planned! At the beginning of each show the audience is asked to provide a title that inspires a delightful comedy in Elizabethan language, unlike any Shakespearian play you've ever seen. Love, marriage, scheming and mistaken identities abound in an entertaining improvised romp... all in the poetic language of the bard. Accompanied by Sebastian Hochman on piano.

About Thorn and Petal Stick (New York, USA)

Thorn and Petal Stick — veteran improvisers Hal Munger, John Mistele and Nick Zimmerman, founders of the first UnScripted Shakespeare Festival in New York — present a fully improvised narrative play in the style of William Shakespeare. Nothing is pre-planned. At the beginning of each show the audience provides a title that inspires a delightful comedy in Elizabethan language, unlike any Shakespearean play you've ever seen. Love, marriage, scheming and mistaken identities abound in an entertaining improvised romp, all in the poetic language of the bard. Accompanied by Sebastian Hochman on piano.

Why see this show?

Every performance is entirely different because the audience helps create it. Seeing veteran improvisers conjure Elizabethan comedy from scratch, with live piano accompaniment, is as joyful as it is impressive.

Event Details

Wednesday 30 July - Sunday 24 August 2025

All performances at 20:20

26 performances

60 minutes

theatre

Quaker Meeting House, 7 Victoria Terrace, above Victoria Street

View on map

3 performers

Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2025

Ticket Price

£8 (4)

Additional Information

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the show run?

The show runs for 60 minutes.

What is the ticket price?

Tickets start from £8, with a concession price of £4.

Is it suitable for young people?

The show is suitable for ages 14 and over.

Is every performance the same?

No — each show is fully improvised from scratch, with the audience providing the title at the start.

Where does the show take place?

The show is performed in the theatre venue, Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

Are there any content warnings?

No content warnings are listed for this show.

About This Theatre Production

Thorn and Petal Stick: UnScripted Shakespeare is a theatre performance at theatre 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: theatre

theatre 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: £8 - £12

Age Guidance: 14+

Content Warnings: None

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.Thorn and Petal Stick: UnScripted Shakespeare represents the theatrical innovation that makes Edinburgh Festival unique.

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