Against the Grain
Against the Grain is a show at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2026, performing at theSpace @ Niddry St. It has 6 performances listed, running from Sun 23 Aug, 12:35 to Tue 25 Aug, 18:05. The run has finished — every listed performance has taken place.
About this show
Winter, 1943. As the Siege of Leningrad tightens its grip, two scientists guard a seed vault designed to preserve humanity. Faced with starvation, yet surrounded by food they refuse to touch. When a desperate intruder forces his way in, the moral line they have defended for years suddenly becomes unbearable. Nina and Olga must confront an impossible question: will they save the world or save themselves? A thrilling new work inspired by true events.
Details
- Venue: theSpace @ Niddry St
- Space: Studio
- Genre: THEATRE, Drama, Thriller
- Country: NETHERLANDS
- Running time: 45 minutes
- Room size: about 50 seats (Studio) — the Fringe box office sells a share of the room, not all of it
- Performances listed: 6, of which 0 still to come and on sale
Accessibility
- Wheelchair access: level
- Access features: Step-free access, Accessible toilet
- Venue notes: Accessible entry: Level access from foyer to theatre Wheelchair access type:Level Access Stairs: None Number of stairs is provided as guidance and is not in addition to any wheelchair access type (lift/ramp etc) stated above.
What the reviewers said
We have captured 2 published reviews and 6 audience reviews for this show from the Edinburgh Festival Fringe’s own listing. The excerpts below are the reviewers’ words, not ours — follow each link for the full review.
At the Institute of Plant Industry in Leningrad, two scientists Olga (Turku Koksel) and Nina (Rosan Tan) protect and analyse a seed bank, to ensure that if there is ever a famine, that humanity can be saved.
The four cast give strong, natural, believable performances. This is a thought-provoking piece covering sombre topics: starvation, survival, sacrifice and morals, serious.
— British Theatre Guide (3 out of 5 stars)
Performance dates and ticket availability
- Sun 23 Aug, 12:35 — Already performed — £12.00
- Sun 23 Aug, 18:05 — Already performed — £12.00
- Mon 24 Aug, 12:35 — Already performed — £12.00
- Mon 24 Aug, 18:05 — Already performed — £12.00
- Tue 25 Aug, 12:35 — Already performed — £12.00
- Tue 25 Aug, 18:05 — Already performed — £12.00