About Grid Iron
Grid Iron, a professional company, present the world premiere of Mayflies — a site-specific adaptation of Andrew O'Hagan's best-selling novel. Everyone has a Tully Dawson: the friend who defines your life. This tale of youth in the eighties and facing mortality in middle age is a joyous and heart-breaking elegy to the young people we still carry within us. Set in a former metalworks in Leith, the venue echoes the iconic venues of Manchester's music scene. With an epic soundtrack from the heart of the eighties, the show runs for 95 minutes at Rear Warehouse and is suitable for audiences aged 14 and over.
Why see this show?
A world premiere from a company known for ambitious site-specific work, staged in a former Leith metalworks that perfectly echoes its subject matter. With an era-defining soundtrack and a story about friendship and mortality, this is one of the most anticipated productions of the Fringe.
£23.50 (18.50)
Friday 7 - Sunday 30 August 2026
All performances at 16:00
21 performances
95 mins
8 performers
Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the show?
The show runs for 95 minutes.
Where is it performed?
The show takes place at Rear Warehouse.
What age is the show suitable for?
The show is suitable for audiences aged 14 and over.
How much do tickets cost?
Tickets are £23.50, with concessions at £18.50.
What is the show about?
It is a site-specific adaptation of Andrew O'Hagan's novel Mayflies, about a defining friendship, the youth of the eighties, and facing mortality in middle age.
Are there any content warnings?
The show contains distressing or potentially triggering themes, strobe lighting, strong language/swearing, and themes of assisted dying, cancer, suicide, and drug and alcohol consumption.
About This Theatre Production
Mayflies is a theatre performance at Rear Warehouse during Edinburgh Festival 2026. Running for 95 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: Rear Warehouse
Rear Warehouse 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: £23.5 - £28.5
Age Guidance: 14+
Content Warnings: Contains distressing or potentially triggering themes, Strobe lighting, Strong language/swearing, More information Contains themes of assisted dying, cancer, suicide, and drug and alcohol consumption.
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.Mayflies 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
