REVIEW: The Void, Edith Alibec, EdFringe 2026 ★★★★

What’s purple, lovable, and has a big un-fillable hole? Romanian clown Edith Alibec takes to the stage as a strange purple character with noodle like arms and a large void in her center. This is a clown show that is built live before you as Alibec tries to connect to her audience.

In a lovely and silly exploration of mental health, Alibec tries to find a way to fill up her void. Late night at the Banshee Labyrinth, you can imagine this show might invite some characters in the audience, but Alibec is open to all participation but is clearly skilled at holding the attention on her.

‘What do you do to fill the void?’ She asks the audience, letting them lead the body of the show. Being so open to the audience is a risk a lot of performers wouldn’t take, but Alibec is a true clown and invites us all to play this game with her. Her long, limp arm noodles wave around the room as she gets to know her audience. The show is silly, of course, like all good clown shows are. It is also, however, a really candid look at mental health and that feeling of emptiness we have all shared. She just wants to feel full again. It’s easy to love this naive clown who endeavours on such a relatable quest.

Where a lot of shows at the Fringe might ask you to witness them, there are few shows that choose to witness you. It’s fun to hear the, surprisingly honest, answers of the crowd. There’s a real camaraderie in experiencing this strange performance together and listening to each other. It was silly, of course, Alibec favours the strange, Our performance saw her gardening, going on dates, and eating to fill the void, much to the hilarity of the audience. The show will be slightly different every night, which lends it an enticing mystery and opportunity for organic connection. Every night, however, I am sure it will be a bizarre and hilarious vision.

Poor Alibec eventually confronts the void, having tried everything to fill it, and the audience sit with her fear and loneliness. There’s a very real struggle at the center of this ridiculous clown show, and you can’t help but empathise with the artist. The image of the clown in darkness holding a lantern was really beautiful, and a lovely way to round out the chaos. I’d have liked to have seen more of this imagery throughout, rather than focused at the end, for the show to become more of a cohesive piece. Alibec is a greatly talented clown, the audience were delighted to be noticed by her, she is fearless and utterly charming. However, a touch more structure could make this a piece that really makes you pause.

It’s a super fun and really weird ride at the Banshee Labyrinth with this show. You may laugh, and you may cry, but you will definitely be surprised by Alibec, this I can say for certain. If you’re looking for late night fun with a meaningful undertone, you should definitely come and get connected to Alibec’s void.

Recommended drink: Blue Hawaiian in a rocks glass with a crazy straw. Something silly in something serious.

Catch Edith Alibec: The Void from 8th to 30th August at 20:55 (60mins). This show is part of PBH’s Free Fringe and is non-ticketed. You can find further details online on the EdFringe Website.