Day of the Locust

Day of the Locust

Fake EscapeProfessional company

60 minutesAttic
The sun is hot. The air is dry. You have come to California to die. Award winning multi-instrumentalist and Pleasance stalwart storyteller Callum Patrick Hughes rips apart Nathanael West's 1930's Great American Novel, rebuilding it with loop pedals, guitar drones and a soundscape of broken dreams and fading stardom. The burning city of Hollwood's Golden Age collides with US contemporary chaos in a production described as part adaptation, part riot, part protest song. Presented by multi WhatsOnStage Award-nominated Fake Escape as part of their Decade of Fringe season.

About Fake Escape

Day of the Locust is a music-theatre adaptation presented by Fake Escape at the Attic during Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2026. Multi-instrumentalist and storyteller Callum Patrick Hughes rips apart Nathanael West's 1930s Great American Novel, rebuilding it with loop pedals, guitar drones and a soundscape of broken dreams and fading stardom. The burning city of Hollywood's Golden Age collides with US contemporary chaos in a production described as part adaptation, part riot, part protest song. Fake Escape present the show as part of their Decade of Fringe season. The show runs 60 minutes and is suitable for ages 8 and over.

Why see this show?

A live music adaptation of a 1930s American novel that uses loop pedals and guitar drones to make Golden Age Hollywood collide with contemporary US chaos — Fake Escape's Decade of Fringe season gives this urgent, layered show real context.

Event Details

Wednesday 5 - Monday 31 August 2026

All performances at 12:50

25 performances

60 minutes

Attic

60 Pleasance

View on map

1 performers

Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2026

Ticket Price

£9

Additional Information

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the show?

Day of the Locust runs for 60 minutes.

Where is it performed?

The show is at the Attic as part of Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2026.

How much are tickets?

Tickets are £9.

What is the age guidance?

The show is suitable for ages 8 and over.

Are there any content warnings?

The show contains references to civil unrest, contemporary events in America surrounding immigration enforcement, and descriptions of rioting and group violence. It also contains strong language and potentially distressing themes.

What kind of show is it?

It is a music-theatre adaptation of Nathanael West's novel, featuring loop pedals, guitar drones and live storytelling, described as part adaptation, part riot, part protest song.

About This Theatre Production

Day of the Locust is a theatre performance at Attic 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.

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

Venue: Attic

Attic 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: £9 - £13

Age Guidance: 8+

Content Warnings: Contains distressing or potentially triggering themes, Strong language/swearing, More information References to civil unrest, contemporary events in America surrounding immigration enforcement and description of rioting and group violence.

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.Day of the Locust 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