Belly

Belly

Written and performed by Reilly O'ShaughnessyProfessional company

Google Written and performed by Reilly O'Shaughnessy
55 minutesSprout Studio
Belly is a one-person play about girls, eating, grief and control. Told through an interwoven stories of three women across one family: Ellie, a high-school swimmer groomed into an eating disorder by a well-meaning, incredibly harmful coach; Katie, her pregnant aunt, trying to “do everything right” for her baby inside of wellness culture and medical fatphobia; and Susan, Katie’s mother, newly widowed and learning how to live with grief and appetite in an empty house. Performed by a single actor, the piece moves between sharp, funny, conversational monologues and scenes and more heightened, poetic sequences.

About Written and performed by Reilly O'Shaughnessy

Belly is a 55-minute solo theatre piece written and performed by Reilly O'Shaughnessy, staged at the Sprout Studio at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Performed by a single actor, it tells the interwoven stories of three women across one family: Ellie, a high-school swimmer groomed into an eating disorder by a well-meaning coach; Katie, her pregnant aunt trying to navigate wellness culture and medical fatphobia; and Susan, Katie's mother, newly widowed and learning to live with grief and appetite. The piece moves between sharp, funny conversational monologues and more heightened, poetic sequences. Contains distressing themes. Suitable for ages 14 and over; tickets from £15.

Why see this show?

Three women, one family, one performer — O'Shaughnessy's 55-minute solo show at the Sprout Studio shifts between sharp comedy and poetic lyricism to illuminate the quiet pressures women carry around food, grief and their own bodies.

Tickets

£15 (10)

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When

Friday 7 - Saturday 29 August 2026

All performances at 13:45

21 performances

Duration

55 mins

Cast

1 performers

Festival

Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2026

Venue
Sprout Studio

The Royal Society of Edinburgh, 22-26 George Street

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Additional Information

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the show run?

The show runs for 55 minutes.

Where is it staged?

It is performed at the Sprout Studio at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

What is the age guidance?

The show is suitable for ages 14 and over.

How much are tickets?

Tickets start from £15, with a concession rate of £10.

Are there content warnings?

Yes — the show contains distressing or potentially triggering themes, including eating disorders, medical fatphobia, grief and widowhood.

How many performers are in the show?

The show is performed by a single actor, Reilly O'Shaughnessy, who portrays all three characters.

About This Theatre Production

Belly is a theatre performance at Sprout Studio 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.

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

Venue: Sprout Studio

Sprout 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: £15 - £16

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

Looking for more theatre shows at Edinburgh Festival 2026?

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Data provided courtesy of the Edinburgh Festivals Listings API