The Hunger Artist
Theatre
Drama
Solo show

The Hunger Artist

Jonathan Sidgwick • Professional company

60 minutes•Squeak
What is art? What does it mean to be an artist? How far would you go for what you love the most? Kafka’s Hunger Artist nourishes his soul the only way he knows how, by starving himself. In his small cage, before crowds of spectators, he seeks acclaim for his craft and acceptance by his audience. This is his ‘art’. He will stop at nothing in his pursuit of perfection. In this, Kafka’s final short story, we celebrate his life and work with this dramatic solo retelling. Performed by Jon Sidgwick (Berkoff's Oedipus, Edinburgh Fringe 2011).

About Jonathan Sidgwick

The Hunger Artist is a dramatic solo show performed by Jonathan Sidgwick at the Squeak venue during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Based on Kafka's final short story, it follows the Hunger Artist who starves himself before crowds of spectators, seeking acclaim for his craft and acceptance from his audience. The production celebrates Kafka's life and work through a solo retelling. It runs for 60 minutes, is suitable for audiences aged 12 and over, and tickets are priced at £14.

Why see this show?

Kafka's haunting final story gets a powerful solo treatment in this intimate drama. Sidgwick brings the Hunger Artist's desperate pursuit of perfection to life with theatrical immediacy — a short, gripping piece that lingers long after the curtain.

Event Details

Friday 7 - Sunday 23 August 2026

All performances at 13:45

14 performances

60 minutes

Squeak

Rotunda Theatre @ Lauriston Place

View on map

1 performers

Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2026

Ticket Price

£14 (12)

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Additional Information

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the show?

The show runs for 60 minutes.

Where is it performed?

The Hunger Artist is performed at Squeak.

What is the age guidance?

The show is suitable for audiences aged 12 and over.

How much do tickets cost?

Tickets are £14, with a concession price of £12.

What is the show about?

It is a dramatic solo retelling of Kafka's final short story, following the Hunger Artist who starves himself before crowds of spectators in pursuit of artistic perfection.

Are there any content warnings?

No content warnings are listed for this show.

About This Theatre Production

The Hunger Artist is a theatre performance at Squeak 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: Squeak

Squeak 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 - £14

Age Guidance: 12+

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.The Hunger Artist 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