This Is Not Hansel and Gretel

This Is Not Hansel and Gretel

Christian Hege / PBH's Free FringeProfessional company

Google Christian Hege / PBH's Free Fringe
60 minutesChamber Room
A 14th-century story. Two children, abandoned in the woods. A witch. But the magic is in the telling. A fairy tale for grownups, from one of the darkest times in Europe. Two years of rain. Failed crops, everywhere. Millions dead of starvation. And two real children, really afraid they’ll be eaten. But it’s even more complex than that. Christian Hege returns to Fringe after a three-week run in New York of his Alexander Klaus, the One-Legged Shoemaker Man from Fringe 2023. A one-man show, directed by Jenny Mercein.

About the show

This Is Not Hansel and Gretel is a free solo theatre show by Christian Hege, directed by Jenny Mercein, running for 60 minutes at Chamber Room. Set in the fourteenth century, the show retells the story of two children abandoned in the woods — and a witch — but focuses on the telling itself. It is described as a fairy tale for grown-ups from one of the darkest times in Europe: years of failed crops, mass starvation and two real children genuinely afraid they would be eaten. Hege returns to the Fringe following a three-week run in New York of a previous show. Content warnings apply for distressing themes and scenes of violence. Suitable for ages 18 and over.

Why see this show?

A one-man fairy tale for grown-ups set in a time of genuine terror — failed harvests, mass starvation and two children afraid of being eaten. Christian Hege's storytelling strips the familiar tale back to its darkest, most human origins.

Tickets

Free

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When

Saturday 8 - Sunday 30 August 2026

All performances at 12:00

21 performances

Duration

60 mins

Cast

1 performers

Festival

Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2026

Venue
Chamber Room

29-35 Niddry Street

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Additional Information

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the show about?

A retelling of the Hansel and Gretel story set in the fourteenth century, described as a fairy tale for grown-ups from one of the darkest times in Europe — years of rain, failed crops and mass starvation.

How long does it run?

The show runs for 60 minutes.

Where is it performed?

The show is at Chamber Room as part of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

Is it free?

Yes, this event is free to attend.

What is the age guidance?

The show is for audiences aged 18 and over.

Are there any content warnings?

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

About This Theatre Production

This Is Not Hansel and Gretel is a theatre performance at Chamber Room 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: Chamber Room

Chamber Room 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 £null

Age Guidance: 18+

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.This Is Not Hansel and Gretel 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