Why English?
Why English? is a show at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2026, performing at Assembly George Square Studios. It has 7 performances listed, running from Mon 10 Aug, 12:15 to Sun 16 Aug, 12:15. The run has finished — every listed performance has taken place.
About this show
An Indian woman questions her life in the post colonial era. English unknowingly forced on her, leaves her with an identity crisis. Questioned your identity? Come! Maybe you’ll find some answers. Inspired by personal experiences and interactions. Interactive set with beautiful fabrics. Powerful, engaging and great comic timing. Draws you in and leaves you feeling warm and wholesome. You are invited to life! World Premiere – Edinburgh Fringe 2023. Australian Premiere – Adelaide Fringe 2025. Grant recipient – Adelaide Fringe Fund 2025. Grant recipient – Adelaide Fringe Fund 2026. * (BingeFringe.com). ½ (GlamAdelaide.com.au). (WeekendNotes.com). (Gareth Vile).
Details
- Venue: Assembly George Square Studios
- Space: Studio Five
- Genre: CIRCUS, Physical theatre, Contemporary
- Country: INDIA
- Running time: 60 minutes
- Room size: about 87 seats (Studio Five) — the Fringe box office sells a share of the room, not all of it
- Performances listed: 7, of which 0 still to come and on sale
Accessibility
- Wheelchair access: lift
- Access features: Step-free access, Accessible toilet
- Venue notes: Accessible entry: Lift access through the glass box into the main studio area. If not taking the lift there are 12 steps down into the performance space. There is level access via Windmill Lane off of Buccleuch Place. Wheelchair access type:Lift (Building Lift) Stairs: 11- 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 4 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.
Vibhinna Ramdev is an entrancing actor, pulling audiences into her life as she toils with questions of identity, belonging and connection to community.
— North West End UK (5 out of 5 stars)
It is Ramdev's account of growing up as a woman in a traditional family, and the obstacles she faced in becoming the person and performer she wanted to be, that gives the show its real power.
— Stand-Up UK (4 out of 5 stars)
Ramdev is a talented, bold and unflinching performer. She weaves storytelling, audience participation, dance, physical theatre and humour into a smorgasbord of visual delight.
— Rialto Arts (5 out of 5 stars)
Performance dates and ticket availability
- Mon 10 Aug, 12:15 — Already performed — £15.00
- Tue 11 Aug, 12:15 — Already performed — £15.00
- Wed 12 Aug, 12:15 — Already performed — £12.50
- Thu 13 Aug, 12:15 — Already performed — £12.50
- Fri 14 Aug, 12:15 — Already performed — £15.00
- Sat 15 Aug, 12:15 — Already performed — £15.00
- Sun 16 Aug, 12:15 — Already performed — £15.00