Liu Ling Zui (Old Drunken Dream)
Liu Ling Zui (Old Drunken Dream) is a show at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2026, performing at C ARTS | C venues | C aurora. It has 5 performances listed, running from Wed 12 Aug, 14:00 to Sun 16 Aug, 14:00. The run has finished — every listed performance has taken place.
About this show
A modern proofreader encounters the ancient Chinese poet Liu Ling across time. The renowned scholar with a legendary liking for wine – one of the famous seven sages of the bamboo grove – and the academic of today embark on a poetic dialogue over a drink. The two discuss anxiety and authenticity, exploring the tension between purpose and detachment in search of rediscovering inner freedom in a fast-paced world. Audiences are encouraged to move freely as scenes unfold around them in this immersive, multi-space promenade performance, blending past and present.
Details
- Venue: C ARTS | C venues | C aurora
- Space: main house
- Genre: OPERA, Drama, Physical theatre
- Country: CHINA
- Running time: 60 minutes
- Room size: about 143 seats (main house) — the Fringe box office sells a share of the room, not all of it
- Performances listed: 5, of which 0 still to come and on sale
Accessibility
- Wheelchair access: level
- Access features: Step-free access, Accessible toilet
- Venue notes: Accessible entry: Entrance to main house and accessible toilet is via level entrance to halls to halls from Lauriston Street (slight downward slope to floor in foye). Accessible toilet in ground floor foyer, adjacent to space. 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 3 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.
3.5 Stars. iu Ling Zui (Old Drunken Dream) is a wondrous spectacle. The one-man medley of theatre and dance tells the story of Liu Ling (劉伶), the ancient Chinese poet who was known for his love of alcohol.
I think to truly enjoy this play in all its poetic linguistic glory, an intermediate understanding of Mandarin is essential.
— Scottish Field (3 out of 5 stars)
Performance dates and ticket availability
- Wed 12 Aug, 14:00 — Already performed — £14.00
- Thu 13 Aug, 14:00 — Already performed — £14.00
- Fri 14 Aug, 14:00 — Already performed — £14.00
- Sat 15 Aug, 14:00 — Already performed — £16.00
- Sun 16 Aug, 14:00 — Already performed — £16.00