Kill Your Darlings

Kill Your Darlings

Horace Mann Theatre Company in partnership with Piper Theatre ProductionsStudent/Youth company

50 minutesOlive Studio
Kill Your Darlings is a student-created, imaginative exploration of theatre-making by Horace Mann students. On the eve of opening night, a young director discovers the elements of theatre coming to life. Costumes demand attention. Lighting refuses cues. Sound interrupts scenes. Props wander, music swells, stage directions argue back. Acting, motivation, blocking and design become characters of their own, each insisting on control of the stage. What begins as rehearsal becomes chaos as the director struggles to keep the production on track. Through humour, invention and physical storytelling, the ensemble celebrates the unpredictable magic of theatre.

About the show

Horace Mann Theatre Company, in partnership with Piper Theatre Productions, presents Kill Your Darlings at the Olive Studio — a student-created theatre piece in which the elements of theatre itself come to life on the eve of opening night. Costumes demand attention, lighting refuses cues, sound interrupts scenes, and props wander. Acting, motivation, blocking and design become characters in their own right, each insisting on control. Through humour, invention and physical storytelling, the student ensemble celebrates the unpredictable magic of theatre. Running for 50 minutes, the show is suitable for audiences aged 8 and over and is free to attend.

Why see this show?

A student ensemble turns the chaos of putting on a play into the show itself. Kill Your Darlings is inventive, physical and joyfully self-aware — a love letter to theatre from the people who are just beginning to make it.

Event Details

Friday 7 - Tuesday 11 August 2026

All performances at 11:25

5 performances

50 minutes

Olive Studio

The Royal Society of Edinburgh, 22-26 George Street

View on map

14 performers

Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2026

Ticket Price

Free

Additional Information

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Kill Your Darlings?

The show runs for 50 minutes.

Where is it performed?

Kill Your Darlings is performed at the Olive Studio.

What is the age guidance?

The show is suitable for audiences aged 8 and over.

How much does it cost?

The show is free to attend.

Who is performing the show?

It is performed by Horace Mann Theatre Company in partnership with Piper Theatre Productions, described as a student and youth company.

Are there any content warnings?

No content warnings are listed for this show.

About This Theatre Production

Kill Your Darlings is a theatre performance at Olive Studio during Edinburgh Festival 2026. Running for 50 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: Olive Studio

Olive 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: £null - £10

Age Guidance: 8+

Content Warnings: None

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.Kill Your Darlings 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