One Man Poe: The Tell-Tale Heart and The Pit and the Pendulum

One Man Poe: The Tell-Tale Heart and The Pit and the Pendulum

Threedumb TheatreProfessional company

60 minutesWillow Studio
Using the original Edgar Allan Poe publications from 1840s, award-winning storyteller Stephen Smith faithfully brings to life the most terrifying tales, from the pioneering Godfather of Gothic Horror. In The Tell-Tale Heart, we meet a madman convincing us of his sanity, whilst explaining a murder he's committed, with meticulous detail. Then, in The Pit and the Pendulum, we join a prisoner attempting to escape the various torture devices of the dreaded Spanish Inquisition. 'Could not have been more wow-ed by this 'marathon of the macabre'' ***** (National).

About the show

Threedumb Theatre presents One Man Poe, in which storyteller Stephen Smith brings to life two Edgar Allan Poe tales using the original nineteenth-century publications. In The Tell-Tale Heart, a madman attempts to convince the audience of his sanity while describing a murder he has committed in meticulous detail. In The Pit and the Pendulum, a prisoner attempts to escape the torture devices of the Spanish Inquisition. The 60-minute show is at Willow Studio, starting from £12.50, and is suitable for audiences aged 12 and over. A content warning for distressing themes applies.

Why see this show?

Two of Poe's most unsettling stories performed solo, drawn straight from the original publications. A tense, intimate 60-minute theatrical experience — fitting for horror fans aged 12 and over.

Event Details

Saturday 8 - Saturday 29 August 2026

18:35, 12:45

14 performances

60 minutes

1 performers

Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2026

Ticket Price

£12.50

Additional Information

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the show?

The show runs for 60 minutes.

How much do tickets cost?

Tickets start from £12.50.

Where does the show take place?

The show is at Willow Studio, as part of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

Is there an age restriction?

The show is suitable for audiences aged 12 and over.

Are there any content warnings?

The show contains distressing or potentially triggering themes.

Which Poe stories are performed?

The show performs two stories: The Tell-Tale Heart, in which a madman explains a murder he has committed, and The Pit and the Pendulum, in which a prisoner tries to escape torture devices of the Spanish Inquisition.

About This Theatre Production

One Man Poe: The Tell-Tale Heart and The Pit and the Pendulum is a theatre performance at Willow Studio 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: Willow Studio

Willow 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: £12.5 - £17

Age Guidance: 12+

Content Warnings: Contains distressing or potentially triggering themes

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.One Man Poe: The Tell-Tale Heart and The Pit and the Pendulum represents the theatrical innovation that makes Edinburgh Festival unique.

Looking for more theatre shows at Edinburgh Festival 2026?

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