Post by @federicabalbi

Seen at Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2026

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Extraordinary, tragicomic simplicity

Three generations of women under one roof and the passing of time. In this picture, a middle-aged woman with a great sense of independence finds herself carrying the emotional load of the roles of daughter and mother in the same closed space… until life evolves to a critical stage, where the girls grow into teenagers and the grandmother is no longer independent. When the grandma is diagnosed with a terminal neurological condition, all tensions start to shift. Confronted with the unavoidable, the narrator’s only way out is shifting her own perspective, too – and accept her mum’s choice of assisted death.

That’s Why Mums Go to Switzerland is an honest, both comic and tragic depiction of ordinary life and family relationships, of ways of being close and loving each other (even if you don’t say it). With grace and humour, it leads the audience into the depth of the intricate family dynamics with respect for all the characters, their needs, expectations and beliefs.

This hour-long monologue, written and performed by Bonnie Oddie and inspired from her real-life story, is witty and dense. Oddie’s stage presence is in harmony with the story, and the show flows in a seemingly effortless way. Steve Medlin’s direction is essential but clever and makes sure that this Fringe production gives its best while staying fringe.

5nd-31th August; 11.25 pm

Running time: 60 minutes

Venue: Underbelly Bristo Square

Tickets and Info: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/that-s-why-mums-go-to-switzerland