Unlearning Mastery

Unlearning Mastery

Daisy FaircloughProfessional company

55 minutesThe Vault
Meet Elijah - a lonely boy in a world drained of meaning, an intellectual and wannabe politician, a mirror to the dark undercurrents of Western masculinity. In this riotously funny and unsettling one-woman show, the sacred chaos of clown and bouffon collides with the cold machinery of modern politics. From the rise of incel culture to the quiet allure of fascist ideals among young men, this piece is surreal, savage, and weirdly tender - a Machiavellian circus where nothing is sacred and everything's a joke… until it isn't. Come squirm. Laugh. Meet Elijah.

About Daisy Fairclough

Daisy Fairclough performs Unlearning Mastery, a one-woman show at The Vault in the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. The show introduces Elijah — a lonely boy in a world drained of meaning, an intellectual and wannabe politician — as a mirror to the dark undercurrents of Western masculinity. Clown and bouffon collide with the cold machinery of modern politics as the piece moves from the rise of incel culture to the quiet allure of fascist ideals among young men. Surreal, savage and weirdly tender, it is described as a Machiavellian circus where nothing is sacred.

Why see this show?

A fearlessly strange one-woman show that uses clown and bouffon to dissect modern masculinity — riotously funny and genuinely unsettling in equal measure, with real tenderness lurking beneath the chaos.

Event Details

Monday 11 - Saturday 16 August 2025

All performances at 22:25

6 performances

55 minutes

The Vault

11 Merchant Street

View on map

1 performers

Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2025

Ticket Price

£5

Additional Information

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Unlearning Mastery?

The show runs for 55 minutes.

Where is the show performed?

Unlearning Mastery is performed at The Vault as part of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

What is the age guidance?

The show is recommended for audiences aged 14 and above.

How much do tickets cost?

Tickets are £5.

Are there any content warnings?

Yes — the show contains distressing or potentially triggering themes.

What kind of show is this?

Unlearning Mastery is a dark comedy one-woman show blending clown and bouffon performance styles with new writing, exploring themes of masculinity and modern politics.

About This Theatre Production

Unlearning Mastery is a theatre performance at The Vault during Edinburgh Festival 2025. Running for 55 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: The Vault

The Vault 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 £5

Age Guidance: 14+

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.Unlearning Mastery represents the theatrical innovation that makes Edinburgh Festival unique.

Looking for more theatre shows at Edinburgh Festival 2025?

Browse all Theatre shows →

Similar Events

Loading similar events...

Data provided courtesy of the Edinburgh Festivals Listings API