The Insanity of Mary Girard
OLSH Theatre • Student/Youth company
About the show
The Insanity of Mary Girard is a 75-minute historical horror play presented by OLSH Theatre at theSpace @ Venue 45 for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Based on a true story, it follows a Philadelphia woman committed to an asylum by her husband in 1790. Inside, ghostly furies from her past accuse and torment her as memory and reality blur. The play exposes the cruelty and psychological abuse of early mental institutions, revealing how women could be silenced and labelled mad for defying societal norms. It confronts injustice, power and the devastating cost of being unheard.
Why see this show?
A gripping drama rooted in a real historical injustice, told with gothic intensity. It asks uncomfortable questions about who gets labelled mad — and who benefits from that label — in ways that still resonate today.
Saturday 8 - Tuesday 11 August 2026
Weekdays at 14:30 & 16:30, Weekends at 20:00 & 20:15
4 performances
75 minutes
13 performers
Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2026
£7
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the show?
The show runs for 75 minutes.
What is the age guidance?
This show is suitable for audiences aged 12 and over.
How much do tickets cost?
Tickets are £7.
Where is the show performed?
The show is performed at theSpace @ Venue 45 as part of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
Is there a content warning?
Yes — the production contains distressing or potentially triggering themes.
Is this based on a true story?
Yes, it tells the haunting true story of a Philadelphia woman committed to an asylum by her husband in 1790.
About This Theatre Production
The Insanity of Mary Girard is a theatre performance at theSpace @ Venue 45 during Edinburgh Festival 2026. Running for 75 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: theSpace @ Venue 45
theSpace @ Venue 45 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 £7
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.The Insanity of Mary Girard 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
