Stop Playing Jacob's Ladder With My Spine
HotCat Collective • Semi-professional company
About the show
Stop Playing Jacob's Ladder With My Spine is a 50-minute absurdist dance and physical theatre show at the Studio venue, Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2026, by HotCat Collective. Blending absurdist theatre, contemporary dance and creative captioning, the show explores loss of control, expectations within domestic settings, and what it means to rot in the face of sterilisation. Four dancers and a microwave invite audiences to embrace chaos despite the prying eyes. The work contains depictions of mental illness and blood, and is suitable for audiences aged 12 and over, with tickets at £13.
Why see this show?
An unsettling, inventive piece that puts absurdism and domestic dread on stage with four dancers and a microwave. If you want experimental dance theatre that is genuinely strange and formally adventurous, this is a compelling choice.
Friday 7 - Sunday 30 August 2026
All performances at 21:35
22 performances
50 minutes
4 performers
Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2026
£13 (10)
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the show run?
The show runs for 50 minutes.
Where is it performed?
The show is performed at the Studio venue as part of Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2026.
What is the age guidance?
The show is suitable for audiences aged 12 and over.
What is the ticket price?
Tickets are £13, with a concession price of £10.
Are there any content warnings?
The show contains audience participation, distressing or potentially triggering themes, strobe lighting, strong language/swearing, depictions of mental illness and blood.
What kind of show is it?
It is an absurdist dance and physical theatre show by HotCat Collective, blending contemporary dance, absurdist theatre and creative captioning, featuring four dancers and a microwave exploring loss of control and domestic expectations.
About This Theatre Production
Stop Playing Jacob's Ladder With My Spine is a dance physical theatre and circus performance at 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: Studio
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: From £13
Age Guidance: 12+
Content Warnings: Audience participation, Contains distressing or potentially triggering themes, Strobe lighting, Strong language/swearing, More information Depictions of mental illness. Blood.
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.Stop Playing Jacob's Ladder With My Spine represents the creative spirit that makes Edinburgh Festival unique.
Looking for more dance physical theatre and circus shows at Edinburgh Festival 2026?
Browse all Dance Physical Theatre and Circus shows →Similar Events
Data provided courtesy of the Edinburgh Festivals Listings API
