Brainsluts Review at the Edinburgh Fringe

Dan Bishop's witty, sharp script and a strong cast dominate the Pleasance Dome in this smart and unsettling new play.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Photo by Ella Carmen Dale

What is Brainsluts?

Four strangers sign up for a medical trial spanning five weekends. The side effects? Unknown. The risks? Unclear. The results? You’ll have to see for yourself.

With a minimal setup (just four chairs, a desk, and some office supplies), the play immediately creates an atmosphere of quiet tension. Two cameras are said to monitor every movement, and in a clever twist, the audience begins to feel like the observers themselves, watching as the effects of the mysterious trial slowly unfold.

Dan Bishop not only pens the script but also performs as one of the test subjects. His writing is impressively researched and layered, offering moments of dark comedy and startling insight. The meditative monologues are especially effective; funny, poignant, and a clever device to show what the characters are truly thinking.

Joining Bishop onstage are Rob Preston, Bethan Pugh Duggan and Kathy Maniura, who give grounded, emotionally honest performances. Each character feels fully formed; ordinary people slowly unraveling under extraordinary pressure. In contrast, we see Emmeline Downie as the Doctor, who is not taking part in the trial but ends up slowly unraveling herself due to her personal life. The chemistry between the cast members is natural, helping to create the sense of a slow-burning psychological experiment with real stakes.

Is Brainsluts worth seeing?

Absolutely. This is a clever piece of new writing. At just an hour long, it never feels heavy-handed or forced. Instead, it pulls you in slowly, then lingers long after the show ends.

If you’re after something intelligent, well-acted, and just a little unnerving, Brainsluts is the one to watch.

Ticket Information and Show Times for Brainsluts.

Brainsluts runs until the 25th of August at the Pleasance Dome (10 Dome), Bristo Square, Edinburgh as part of the Edinburgh Fringe. Show time is at 2:45PM. Tickets can be accessed through the Edinburgh Fringe website.

Location:  Pleasance Dome (10 Dome), Bristo Square, Edinburgh

Date of Review: 1st of August

Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Disclaimer: I was invited to see this show on August 1st, 2025 in exchange for an honest review. All views are my own and were not influenced by the invite.