The Provocateurs: Your Mind's World / Panic! at the Cortex
Spoken Word

The Provocateurs: Your Mind's World / Panic! at the Cortex

The Provocateurs • Professional company

60 minutes•Stand 4
Dr Bérengère Digard (The University of Edinburgh) talks about how your inner world is crafted by your brain. Discover how the brain creates life-like films, erases all sounds and images, blurs faces and gives flavours to sounds. Does the state of the world make you anxious? Worried? Full of impending doom? Emily Payne (The University of Edinburgh) thinks that’s probably a good thing. A dive into the neuroscience behind anxiety reveals instability is to blame, and what you can do about it. Part of the Edinburgh Medical School’s 300th Anniversary.

About The Provocateurs

The Provocateurs presents two talks at Stand 4 in a single 60-minute session. In the first, Dr Bérengère Digard from The University of Edinburgh explains how the brain crafts our inner world — creating life-like films, erasing sounds and images, blurring faces and giving flavours to sounds. In the second, Emily Payne from The University of Edinburgh examines the neuroscience of anxiety, arguing that instability is to blame and explaining what can be done about it. The double bill forms part of the Edinburgh Medical School's anniversary programme and is suitable for ages 14 and above.

Why see this show?

Two accessible talks on the brain and anxiety from University of Edinburgh researchers — useful, surprising and delivered with the clarity that only someone who really understands the subject can manage.

Event Details

Sunday 9 August 2026

All performances at 17:35

60 minutes

Stand 4

28 York Place

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3 performers

Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2026

Ticket Price

£12 (10)

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Additional Information

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the session?

The session runs for 60 minutes.

Where is it held?

It takes place at Stand 4.

What is the age guidance?

This event is suitable for ages 14 and above.

How much are tickets?

Tickets are £12, with a concession price of £10.

What are the two talks about?

The first explores how the brain creates our inner world; the second dives into the neuroscience behind anxiety and what instability in the brain means for how we feel.

Are there any content warnings?

No content warnings apply to this event.

About This Performance

The Provocateurs: Your Mind's World / Panic! at the Cortex is a spoken word performance at Stand 4 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 the magic of live performance at Edinburgh Festival. Each show offers something unique and memorable.

Venue: Stand 4

Stand 4 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

  • •Read recent reviews for audience reactions
  • •Check venue accessibility if needed
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  • •Download venue apps for digital tickets

Booking Information

Ticket Prices: From £12

Age Guidance: 14+

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 Provocateurs: Your Mind's World / Panic! at the Cortex represents the creative spirit that makes Edinburgh Festival unique.

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