NIUSIA Review at the Edinburgh Fringe

A story of learning who you are, and accepting it takes to the stage in the very unusual venue of the Former Women’s Locker Room at Summerhall for Beth Paterson's NIUSIA.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Photo by Ece Mustafoff

As we filed down the stairs into the unusual space of the Former Women’s Locker Room at Summerhall, we were greeted by an intimate scene: piles of books and boxes, an armchair, and a table. From this unassuming setting, we were taken on a journey that will stay with those who experience it.

Niusia was a Holocaust survivor. She is charming, savvy, and, if you ask her granddaughter Beth, a pretty mean lady. Now, Beth is ready to dig deeper and discover who Niusia really was. Along the way, she uncovers questions she never knew to ask...and learns there is no simple version of the truth.

Beth Paterson’s performance is deeply personal yet never self-indulgent, a tricky balance she handles with ease. She presents the good, the bad, and the uncomfortable truths of self-discovery, weaving humour and poignancy into a seamless narrative. With wit and warmth, she draws the audience in before shifting into moments of raw sincerity. When she reaches the most painful sections of her family history, the respect and emotional weight in the room are unmistakable.

Kathryn Yates’ thoughtful, precise direction makes full use of the space, while using Samantha Hastings’ set design to her advantage. An example of this is the piles of books representing each generation which serves as a simple yet striking visual metaphor. The inclusion of Beth’s mother’s voice sharing her own stories adds another personal and affecting layer to the piece.

This is a production that feels both intimate and universal, offering an honest, heartfelt reflection on identity, family, and the stories we inherit. If you are wanting to learn something from the Edinburgh Fringe, this is the show for you!

Ticket Information for NIUSIA:

NIUSIA runs at the Former Women’s Locker Room at Summerhall at 1:20PM each day as part of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival until the 24th of August. You can buy tickets here.

Location:  Former Women’s Locker Room at Summerhall, Edinburgh

Date of Review: 7th of August

Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Disclaimer: I was invited to this show on August 7th, 2025 in exchange for an honest review. All views are my own and were not influenced by the invite.