The Red Lantern

The Red Lantern

TagtrickProfessional company

Google Tagtrick
50 minutesLower Theatre
In wartime Chongqing, the bombing lasts for years. When air raids come close, red lanterns rise above the mountain city. Guang's family keeps watch from high places, day after day, reading the sky. Sirens, shelters and running become daily life. Inside this darkness, people still try to keep life human: a song, a game of mahjong, a small joke in the shelter. It is a fragile balance. But every bombing pushes it closer to collapse. One night, more planes than ever arrive. The lantern rises again. Crowds flood into the shelter. Darkness swallows everything.

About Tagtrick

The Red Lantern is a 50-minute contemporary solo theatre show at the Lower Theatre at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, performed by Tagtrick. Set in wartime Chongqing, the show follows Guang's family as they watch for air raids from high places, day after day. Red lanterns rise above the mountain city as planes approach. Sirens, shelters and running become daily life. Amid the darkness, people try to keep life human — through a song, a game of mahjong, a joke in the shelter. Then one night, more planes than ever arrive. The show carries warnings for distressing themes, scenes of violence, and content related to war, violence, death and suicide. Suitable for ages 14 and over.

Why see this show?

A quiet and devastating solo piece about ordinary life under extraordinary pressure. The Red Lantern finds the human in the horror — small moments of connection against a backdrop of bombing and fear.

Tickets

£10.50 (8)

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When

Friday 7 - Saturday 8 August 2026

All performances at 19:30

2 performances

Duration

50 mins

Cast

1 performers

Festival

Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2026

Venue
Lower Theatre

Niddry Street

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Additional Information

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the show?

The show runs for 50 minutes.

What is the show about?

Set in wartime Chongqing, the show follows a family watching for air raids as red lanterns signal the approach of planes, exploring how people try to maintain humanity during wartime.

What is the age guidance?

The show is suitable for ages 14 and over.

Are there content warnings?

Yes — the show contains distressing or potentially triggering themes, scenes of violence, and themes of war, violence, death and suicide.

How much do tickets cost?

Tickets are £10.50, with a concession price also available. See the booking link on this page for current ticket prices.

Where does the show take place?

The show takes place at the Lower Theatre.

About This Theatre Production

The Red Lantern is a theatre performance at Lower 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: Lower Theatre

Lower 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 £10.5

Age Guidance: 14+

Content Warnings: Contains distressing or potentially triggering themes, Scenes of violence, More information Contains themes of war, violence, death, suicide.

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 Red Lantern 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