Three Chickens Confront Existence Review at the Edinburgh Fringe

Yes, this is a play about Chickens... And I loved it! Three Chickens Confront Existence, which is currently playing at the Belly Button at Underbelly Cowgate for the Edinburgh Fringe, gives us a hilarious and sometimes haunting look into the mindset of.... a chicken about to be slaughtered.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Photo by Lexi Grabokski

It’s absolutely bonkers that I’m writing a review about a play centred on chickens...but here we are. And against all the odds, it works spectacularly.

This play, written by Bill Schaumberg, follows three factory-farmed chickens as they await their execution. Think Waiting for Godot… but with feathers. It’s absurd, it’s unexpected, and it’s surprisingly moving.

From the outset, Sasha Richter’s costuming is phenomenal. They are so convincing that audience members couldn’t resist snapping photos (slightly annoying, but really, it just proves how striking the visuals were). Every detail is taken into account, including their talons made with what looks like expanding foam. The clever costume design drags us into the action immediately, as you almost forget the humans behind the feathers.

Speaking of the humans, the cast fully commits to the madness. Matthew DiLoreto brings fiery conviction to Bronseman, the wannabe headstrong leader of the flock. Eric Kirchberger leans into the comedy with his wonderfully weird take on Reginald, while Audrey Rapoport’s Helen is endearing and heartfelt. Together, they balance the absurdity with real emotional weight, you end up genuinely rooting for these chickens. Each performs their role with ease, great projection and plenty of peaks and valleys with energy and characterisation.

Schaumberg’s script is packed with twists, turns, and moments of sharp wit. The individual monologues for each chicken are particular highlights, offering unexpected depth as we get insight into the inner thoughts of the chicken.

Even before the lights go up, the immersive sound design transports you straight into their world, setting the tone from the moment you enter the theatre.

Unusual? Absolutely. But also clever, funny, and unexpectedly poignant. Three Chickens Confront Existence nails every detail, and in the case of this reviewer, might just make you think twice about that chicken burger you had before the show...

Ticket Information for Three Chickens Confront Existence:

Three Chickens Confront Existence runs at the Belly Button at Underbelly Cowgate at 5:20PM each day as part of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival until the 24th of August. You can buy tickets here.

Location:  Belly Button at Underbelly Cowgate, Edinburgh

Date of Review: 6th of August

Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Disclaimer: I was invited to this show on August 6th, 2025 in exchange for an honest review. All views are my own and were not influenced by the invite.