Van Gogh & Me

Van Gogh & Me

Jack EllisProfessional company

60 minutesMeeting Room
Two painters. Nine weeks. At the end, an ear is severed. This brand-new one-person play journeys back to 1888, tracing the charged encounter between Vincent van Gogh and Paul Gauguin in Arles. Jack Ellis seamlessly embodies a range of characters, exploring not only their volatile relationship but also his own lifelong obsession with the Dutch painter. Written by John Retallack and shaped around 24 paintings, the piece is darkly humorous and unflinching in its examination of how artistic ambition and fragile minds can be pushed to breaking point.

About Jack Ellis

Van Gogh & Me is a brand-new one-person play written by John Retallack, performed by Jack Ellis at the Meeting Room. The show journeys back to 1888, tracing the charged and volatile encounter between Vincent van Gogh and Paul Gauguin in Arles — nine weeks that ended with a severed ear. Jack Ellis embodies a range of characters while also exploring his own lifelong obsession with the Dutch painter. Shaped around 24 paintings, the piece is darkly humorous and unflinching in its examination of how artistic ambition and fragile minds can be pushed to breaking point. Contains distressing or potentially triggering themes.

Why see this show?

A darkly humorous and intimate one-person exploration of the volatile relationship between van Gogh and Gauguin, shaped around 24 paintings. Jack Ellis is a compelling performer and John Retallack's writing is sharp and unflinching.

Event Details

Thursday 13 - Sunday 30 August 2026

12:00, 15:00

23 performances

60 minutes

1 performers

Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2026

Ticket Price

Free

Additional Information

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the show run?

The show runs for 60 minutes.

What is the age guidance?

The show is suitable for ages 12 and over.

What is the ticket price?

The show is free to attend.

Where does the show take place?

The show takes place at the Meeting Room as part of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

What is the show about?

It traces the nine-week encounter between Vincent van Gogh and Paul Gauguin in Arles in 1888, exploring their volatile relationship and the obsessive nature of artistic ambition, shaped around 24 paintings.

Are there any content warnings?

The show contains distressing or potentially triggering themes.

About This Theatre Production

Van Gogh & Me is a theatre performance at Meeting 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: Meeting Room

Meeting 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: £null - £15

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.Van Gogh & Me 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