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Bread and Circuses is Julius Caesar's long-lost TED talk on leadership mindset. Expect jokes, stunts and laurel-wreathed stupidity as you learn to grind, orate and dominate. Seamus Lavan has been to Hades and back – and French theatre school and back – to bring you this hilaritymaxxed hour of absurdity. There was once a fascist-coded fever dream that was Rome, one that still inspires the look books and playbooks of our present-day not-so-great dictators. 50% clown show, 50% character comedy and 150% life-affirming idiocy – come for the skimpy toga, stay for the stoic wisdom.
This is an archived listing from the 2026 Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Bread and Circuses is by Seamus Lavan, listed under Comedy in the Fringe programme. It plays at Underbelly, Bristo Square, Teviot Place, EH8 9AG, 5 August to 31 August.
The show runs 60 minutes and is suitable for ages 14+. Tickets from £8.50. Content warnings: Distressing or triggering themes, Scenes of violence and Audience participation.