Benji Waterhouse: Madsplaining (WIP)
By Benji Waterhouse • Professional company
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Benji Waterhouse: Madsplaining (WIP) is a 60-minute comedy work-in-progress and storytelling show at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2026, performed at Just Up The Stairs. NHS psychiatrist and best-selling author Dr Benji reveals the weird and wonderful history of mental illness and his profession's long, proud history of often making things worse — think straitjackets, Sigmund Freud and performing lobotomies without an anaesthetic, and sometimes a medical degree. The show also asks whether we are any better at treating madness in 2026. Tickets are £13, with a concession of £11, and the show is for audiences aged 16 and over. It contains mental health themes including suicide and schizophrenia.
Why see this show?
An NHS psychiatrist examines his own profession's history of making mental illness worse — straitjackets, Sigmund Freud and lobotomies without anaesthetic. A work-in-progress that asks whether 2026 is really any different, at Just Up The Stairs.
£13 (11)
Thursday 6 - Monday 17 August 2026
All performances at 18:25
12 performances
60 mins
1 performers
Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the show?
The show runs for 60 minutes.
Where is the show performed?
The show is at Just Up The Stairs as part of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
How much does it cost?
Tickets are £13, with a concession price of £11.
What is the age guidance?
The show is for audiences aged 16 and over.
Is there any content guidance?
The show contains distressing or potentially triggering themes, including mental health themes such as suicide and schizophrenia.
What is the show about?
Dr Benji, an NHS psychiatrist and best-selling author, explores the history of mental illness and his profession's history of often making things worse, asking whether we are any better at treating madness in 2026.
About This Comedy Show
Benji Waterhouse: Madsplaining (WIP) is a comedy performance at Just Up The Stairs during Edinburgh Festival 2026. Running for 60 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: 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
- •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 £13
Age Guidance: 16+
Content Warnings: Contains distressing or potentially triggering themes, More information Mental health themes including suicide and schizophrenia
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.Benji Waterhouse: Madsplaining (WIP) 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
