Bread and Circuses

Bread and Circuses

Seamus LavanSemi-professional company

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60 minutesClover
Bread and Circuses is Julius Caesar's long-lost TED talk on leadership mindset. Expect jokes, stunts and laurel-wreathed stupidity as you learn to grind, orate and dominate. Seamus Lavan has been to Hades and back – and French theatre school and back – to bring you this hilaritymaxxed hour of absurdity. There was once a fascist-coded fever dream that was Rome, one that still inspires the look books and playbooks of our present-day not-so-great dictators. 50% clown show, 50% character comedy and 150% life-affirming idiocy – come for the skimpy toga, stay for the stoic wisdom.

About Seamus Lavan

Bread and Circuses is a clown and physical theatre comedy show performed by Seamus Lavan at Clover during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Framed as Julius Caesar's long-lost TED talk on leadership mindset, the show blends jokes, stunts and laurel-wreathed stupidity with stoic wisdom. Lavan draws on his French theatre school training to deliver absurdist character comedy. The show runs for 60 minutes, is suitable for audiences aged 14 and over, and tickets start from £8.50.

Why see this show?

Equal parts clown show and character comedy, Bread and Circuses uses the absurdity of ancient Rome to hold a mirror to the present. Lavan's physical theatre training gives the show a flair that goes well beyond standard stand-up.

Tickets

£8.50

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When

Wednesday 5 - Monday 31 August 2026

All performances at 12:55

26 performances

Duration

60 mins

Cast

1 performers

Festival

Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2026

Venue
Clover

Teviot Place

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Additional Information

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the show?

The show runs for 60 minutes.

Where is it performed?

Bread and Circuses is performed at Clover.

What is the age guidance?

The show is suitable for audiences aged 14 and over.

How much do tickets cost?

Tickets start from £8.50.

Does the show involve audience participation?

Yes, the show includes audience participation.

Are there any content warnings?

The show contains distressing or potentially triggering themes, scenes of violence, and includes audience participation.

About This Comedy Show

Bread and Circuses is a comedy performance at Clover 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: Clover

Clover 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: £8.5 - £12.5

Age Guidance: 14+

Content Warnings: Audience participation, Contains distressing or potentially triggering themes, Scenes of violence, More information Self-harm

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.Bread and Circuses 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