The Last Audition
The Last Audition is a show at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2026, performing at theSpace on the Mile. It has 21 performances listed, running from Fri 7 Aug, 19:25 to Sat 29 Aug, 19:25. The run has finished — every listed performance has taken place.
About this show
The Last Audition. A once-celebrated Shakespearean actor returns to an empty stage to rehearse King Lear and prove he can still live independently. As memory falters, voices from his past intrude, turning rehearsal into reckoning. Darkly funny and deeply moving, this intimate solo play explores ageing, caregiving, legacy and the courage to keep stepping into the light. European Premiere. Written and performed by international actor Paul Shearman, it blends Shakespeare with contemporary storytelling and emotional truth, resonating with audiences across generations. Perfect for Fringe-goers seeking powerful, human theatre.
Details
- Venue: theSpace on the Mile
- Space: Space 3
- Genre: THEATRE, Drama, Solo show
- Country: UNITED STATES
- Running time: 55 minutes
- Room size: about 58 seats (Space 3) — the Fringe box office sells a share of the room, not all of it
- Performances listed: 21, of which 0 still to come and on sale
Accessibility
- Access features: Accessible toilet
- Venue notes: Accessible entry: Entry through the reception of the Radisson Hotel. Staircase of 20 steps leading to theatre. Unfortunately, no wheelchair access is available. Stairs: 20+ 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 6 published reviews and 15 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.
Auditioning is a painful process without the difficulties and challenges that come with ageing and health issues. The character of Sebastian Drake in “The Last Audition” is faced with all of the above.
Paul Shearman performs his own play with a powerful yet delicate intensity; a moving study of the moment when a once high achiever realises that he has to call time on his ambitions and expectations.
— The Real Chrisparkle (4 out of 5 stars)
The Last Audition is a play about memory; about both the power of memories and the act of remembering. Sebastian Drake is an actor in the early stages of dementia who is trying to prove he can live and work…
— Luvvie With A Rollaboard (4 out of 5 stars)
Performance dates and ticket availability
- Fri 7 Aug, 19:25 — Already performed — £12.00
- Sat 8 Aug, 19:25 — Already performed — £12.00
- Sun 9 Aug, 19:25 — Already performed — £12.00
- Mon 10 Aug, 19:25 — Already performed — £12.00
- Tue 11 Aug, 19:25 — Already performed — £12.00
- Wed 12 Aug, 19:25 — Already performed — £12.00
- Thu 13 Aug, 19:25 — Already performed — £12.00
- Fri 14 Aug, 19:25 — Already performed — £12.00
- Sat 15 Aug, 19:25 — Already performed — £12.00
- Mon 17 Aug, 19:25 — Already performed — £12.00
- Tue 18 Aug, 19:25 — Already performed — £12.00
- Wed 19 Aug, 19:25 — Already performed — £12.00
- Thu 20 Aug, 19:25 — Already performed — £12.00
- Fri 21 Aug, 19:25 — Already performed — £12.00
- Sat 22 Aug, 19:25 — Already performed — £12.00
- Mon 24 Aug, 19:25 — Already performed — £12.00
- Tue 25 Aug, 19:25 — Already performed — £12.00
- Wed 26 Aug, 19:25 — Already performed — £12.00
- Thu 27 Aug, 19:25 — Already performed — £12.00
- Fri 28 Aug, 19:25 — Already performed — £12.00
- Sat 29 Aug, 19:25 — Already performed — £12.00