The Orchardist

The Orchardist

Magdalen College School DramaStudent/Youth company

50 minutesGrand Theatre
A boy jumps from a thirty-foot oak tree and survives unmarked. It's the first day of the evangelical summer festival, The Orchard, and newcomer Lucas immediately makes an impression among the other children. The younger kids believe he’s a miracle maker. But Benji is the pastor’s son, and he won’t give up his assumed leadership easily. Meanwhile eldest girl, Ruth, isn’t sure that what Lucas is doing are acts of God. But as the "miracles" grow in extremity, so too does Lucas’s influence.

About Magdalen College School Drama

The Orchardist is a new play by Magdalen College School Drama, performed at the Grand Theatre as part of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. When a boy jumps from a thirty-foot oak tree and survives without a mark, newcomer Lucas instantly captures the attention of children at an evangelical summer festival. The younger ones believe he is a miracle maker, while pastor's son Benji refuses to yield his leadership. Eldest girl Ruth grows increasingly uneasy as the so-called miracles escalate in extremity alongside Lucas's growing influence. The show runs 50 minutes and is suitable for ages 12 and above.

Why see this show?

A taut, unsettling piece of new writing that pits faith against scepticism through the eyes of children at a religious summer camp. The power dynamics shift with every scene, making it genuinely gripping theatre from a young company.

Event Details

Tuesday 18 - Saturday 22 August 2026

All performances at 11:15

5 performances

50 minutes

Grand Theatre

Surgeons Quarter, Nicolson Street

View on map

10 performers

Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2026

Ticket Price

£10 (7)

Additional Information

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the show run?

The show runs for 50 minutes.

What is the age guidance?

The show is suitable for ages 12 and above.

What content warnings apply?

The show contains distressing or potentially triggering themes and scenes of violence.

Where is it performed?

The Orchardist is performed at the Grand Theatre as part of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

How much do tickets cost?

Tickets are £10.

Who is behind the production?

The show is produced by Magdalen College School Drama, a student and youth company.

About This Theatre Production

The Orchardist is a theatre performance at Grand Theatre 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: Grand Theatre

Grand Theatre 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 £10

Age Guidance: 12+

Content Warnings: Contains distressing or potentially triggering themes, Scenes of violence

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 Orchardist represents the theatrical innovation that makes Edinburgh Festival unique.

Looking for more theatre shows at Edinburgh Festival 2026?

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