Edinburgh Fringe shows explore themes of assisted dying

The Edinburgh Fringe Festival is seeing a notable trend in performances addressing the theme of assisted dying.

Bonnie Oddie’s award-winning solo show, ‘That’s Why Mums go to Switzerland’, is based on her personal experience of assisting her mother to the Swiss clinic Dignitas following an Alzheimer’s diagnosis. The production aims to facilitate non-partisan, judgement-free discussions regarding death and family dynamics. To support audience reflection, a dedicated space has been established in Bristo Square for attendees to share their thoughts on these complex issues.

Other productions exploring similar themes include Morna Young’s ‘After Party’, Ben Harrison’s adaptation of ‘Mayflies’, and a storytelling show by sibling duo Maddie and Marcus Rice titled ‘Goodbye Dandelion’. The latter follows a friendship between a younger woman and an 87-year-old artist, exploring life and mortality through wit and music.