REVIEW: A Better Memory, Lubna Kerr, Kerr Arts Collective, EdFringe 2026, ★★★★★

A bold new play making its world premiere at the Fringe this year, A Better Memory tackles the rise of AI technologies and how it can impact on grief.

It has been a year since Eleanor’s (played Lubna Kerr) husband died, and she is still grieving the loss. Amongst boxes filled with his things, sits a chatbot, built from Harold’s (played by Codge Crawford) messages and memories. The tool will give her the ability to hear her dead husband again, but Eleanor is reluctant to use it.

After some gentle cajoling from visitor Mia (played by Kathryn Mowper), she turns it on. At first, it is magical, allowing Eleanor to revisit their favourite memories and feel cared for again. But as the chatbot remembers and shares more memories, Eleanor is forced to confront the realisation that her marriage wasn’t as happy as she had initially remembered.

Ishan Karr’s script is beautifully written, delicately balancing emotional moments with ethical debates around the topic of AI. It sticks to a strong plotline, filled with twists and turns to keep the audience guessing.

There is powerful character development, particularly in the case of Eleanor: she transforms from a lonely woman set in her ways to someone strong and adventurous. Despite their age difference, her friendship with Mia is very sweet and it’s heartwarming to see them bond over biscuits and strange television programmes.

There are plenty of ethical, nuanced questions raised. Is having an AI companion really so bad if you are still connecting with the outside world? Is it ethical for Eleanor to alter AI Harold’s memories, removing the parts of him that annoy her?

Refreshingly, the production doesn’t try to answer these questions, or sway us towards one answer or another, instead showing us the pros and cons, encouraging us to consider whether we’d want our own AI voice assistant of a deceased loved one.

The cast is a delight to watch, and natural performers on the stage. Kerr leads as Eleanor, practical and quiet, the antithesis to Mia’s loud, outspoken manner. Mowper is a bundle of energy, lighting up the stage in every appearance. She provides most of the play’s humorous moments, much-welcomed respite from the emotional journey that Eleanor and Harold take us on.

Crawford is extremely versatile, portraying Harold as charming, then controlling, and finally cowardly, with ease. His insistence that his precious signed cricket top is displayed in prime position in the living room brings both a tear to the eye and a knowing smile.

A Better Memory bills itself as an exploration of how AI can shape grief, but it’s so much more than that. It’s a rollercoaster of emotions, touching on themes like intergenerational friendships and rebuilding yourself after toxic relationships. With its strong storyline, lovable characters and thought-provoking questions, it should definitely be top of your list this Fringe.

Recommended drink: A warm cup of tea to go with Eleanor’s biscuits.

You can catch A Better Memory at Pleasance Courtyard (The Green) from August 13-30 at 18:30 (60mins). Tickets are available through the EdFringe Online Box Office.