The Candidates

The Candidates

The Party's Dead ProductionsAmateur Company

Google The Party's Dead Productions
Farce, Scrutiny and the Commentariat – join the debate. It will not be televised again. Chorley witnesses its most important by-election at a turbulent time in the UK's political landscape. After the resignation of Labour MP Carl Ritter, four candidates are going head to head for the seat. Ritter's resignation leaves Labour with 325 seats. Should Labour's Steve Ollenshaw fail to win, then Labour will lose its majority. Four candidates. Three parties. One independent. Sadly, we won't be joined by the Conservative and Unionists in this debate, because the party's dead.

About the show

The Candidates is a political comedy from The Party's Dead Productions, performed at Just The Bottle Room. Set in Chorley, the show stages what is framed as the town's most important by-election at a turbulent time in UK politics. Following the resignation of Labour MP Carl Ritter — leaving Labour with 325 seats — four candidates go head to head for the seat: four candidates, three parties and one independent. The show involves audience participation, runs for 50 minutes, and is suitable for audiences aged 14 and over. Tickets are £10.

Why see this show?

A timely and irreverent piece of political farce that puts the audience right inside the debate. The Candidates is sharp comedy that finds genuine humour in the absurdity of modern British politics — and invites you to be part of the scrutiny.

Tickets

£10 (7)

Book Now
When

Thursday 20 - Sunday 30 August 2026

All performances at 12:50

11 performances

Duration

50 mins

Cast

6 performers

Festival

Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2026

Additional Information

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the show?

The show runs for 50 minutes.

Where is it performed?

It is performed at Just The Bottle Room.

How much are tickets?

Tickets are £10, with concessions available.

What is the age guidance?

The show is suitable for audiences aged 14 and over.

Does the show involve audience participation?

Yes, the show involves audience participation.

What is the show about?

It is a political farce set in Chorley, staging a by-election in which four candidates — from three parties and one independent — compete for a parliamentary seat after the resignation of a Labour MP.

About This Comedy Show

The Candidates is a comedy performance at Just The Bottle Room 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.

Expect an evening of laughter with professional comedians delivering their best material. Most comedy shows at Edinburgh run for 50-60 minutes, perfect for fitting multiple shows into your day.

Venue: Just The Bottle Room

Just The Bottle Room 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

  • Arrive 10-15 minutes early for the best seats
  • Front row seats may involve audience interaction
  • Check content warnings for adult material
  • Many venues have a bar for pre-show drinks

Booking Information

Ticket Prices: From £10

Age Guidance: 14+

Content Warnings: Audience participation, Strong language/swearing

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.The Candidates represents the comedy excellence that makes Edinburgh Festival unique.

Looking for more comedy shows at Edinburgh Festival 2026?

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Data provided courtesy of the Edinburgh Festivals Listings API