About Aditya Mayya
Aditya Mayya Pretends to Be Sad is a 55-minute tragicomic solo show at The Worker Room, Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2026. When Aditya found out his younger brother had committed suicide, his first instinct was to think about how to write a joke about it. The show recounts that story in both hilarious and heart-wrenching detail — an hour-long exploration of being earnest from someone allergic to sincerity. It is described as a show for people who have seen a thousand tragicomic solo shows, one that both celebrates and satirises that Fringe staple. Age guidance: 14+. Tickets £9.
Why see this show?
A tragicomic solo show that is acutely self-aware about the form it inhabits, while still delivering genuine emotional weight. Funny, sad and honest about the gap between the two.
£9
Thursday 6 - Sunday 30 August 2026
All performances at 16:30
23 performances
55 mins
1 performers
Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the show?
The show runs for 55 minutes.
What age is it suitable for?
Suitable for ages 14 and above.
Are there content warnings?
Yes — the show contains distressing or potentially triggering themes. The subject matter includes suicide.
How much are tickets?
Tickets are £9.
Where is it performed?
At The Worker Room as part of Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2026.
What kind of show is it?
A tragicomic dark comedy solo show that explores grief and sincerity while also satirising the conventions of the tragicomic solo show format itself.
About This Comedy Show
Aditya Mayya Pretends to Be Sad is a comedy performance at The Worker Room during Edinburgh Festival 2026. Running for 55 minutes, this show is part of the world's largest arts festival, bringing together performers and audiences from across the globe.
Expect an evening of laughter with professional comedians delivering their best material. Most comedy shows at Edinburgh run for 50-60 minutes, perfect for fitting multiple shows into your day.
Venue: The Worker Room
The Worker Room 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
- •Arrive 10-15 minutes early for the best seats
- •Front row seats may involve audience interaction
- •Check content warnings for adult material
- •Many venues have a bar for pre-show drinks
Booking Information
Ticket Prices: From £9
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 2026
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.Aditya Mayya Pretends to Be Sad represents the comedy excellence that makes Edinburgh Festival unique.
Looking for more comedy shows at Edinburgh Festival 2026?
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Data provided courtesy of the Edinburgh Festivals Listings API
