Show name: exit strategy’s How to Win a Gameshow
Performers: exit strategy
Venue: theSpace @ Niddry St – Lower Theatre (Venue 9)
Date and time: 15th August 2026, 8.35pm–9.25pm
Running time: 50 minutes
Ticket price: £13.50 (£12 + £1.50 booking fee)
Age suitability: 12+ (guideline)
Rating: ★★★★★ 5/5
Reviewer: Bella Pirintji
Fringe run:
7th–15th August | 8.35pm | Lower Theatre at theSpace @ Niddry St
17th–22nd August | 9.15pm | Venue 45 at theSpace @ Venue 45
Accessibility note: Audience members are asked to stand and move during the show. It is best to inform the venue beforehand of any mobility requirements that may affect your ability or willingness to participate.
How to Win a Gameshow by US-based theatre group exit strategy blends storytelling, comedy, improv, and performance art in this 50-minute, audience-centred show.
Inquisitive, mysterious and playful, the performance begins the moment you step away from the Fringe chaos outside and enter the theatre. The crowd’s anxiety and anticipation was already evident as we waited in the queue – “What even is this show?”, “Am I going to be forced to participate?, “Will we win the gameshow?”.
As we were directed to our seats, we’re already interacting with what I soon realise are the performers, in character. We’re instructed where to sit and what to do, and gently reprimanded if we don’t comply.
At this point, three actors are playing core parts of a gameshow – the contestant, the camera operator, and the host. The overall energy moves from exciting and slightly nerve-wracking, to unsettling once we get to know them.
The blue-haired, powered-suited host is scary yet charismatic. The contestant is sweet but very obedient. And the punchy camera operator moves around to capture every moment.
As different games were introduced, and audience members selected to play along, I started to embrace the odd vibes and feel more comfortable. This is actually kind of fun! Balls, stories, questions, sweet treats, dance moves and compliments are thrown between the characters and the audience. The fun would then be interrupted by a weird, confusing or uncomfortable moment. This cycle continues throughout the show as the audience tries to figure out what on earth is going on.
Eventually a fourth character enters the stage, and the roles of viewer and performer have overlapped. Not long after, the show ends, leaving us wanting more.
The set and costumes are simple and let the story and overall message take centre-stage. Themes of surveillance and control are evident – reminiscent of George Orwell’s 1984, The Hunger Games series, The Truman Show, and Jordan Peele’s Get Out. An interesting combination of sound and tech is used to achieve this. The acting was impressive, with some moments feeling like they were straight from a feature film.
On the night I attended, a range of audience members were involved in the story. Each person was different, and several of them funny, quirky or charming – all adding to my experience of the show. I attended alone, but I think bringing a friend would lead to some interesting post-show discussions.
This show is what you make it. Its mystery might have you feeling on edge the whole time. You can simply enjoy the moment. If you wish, you can think deeper about what it all really means. It is certainly not just a live recreation of a glitzy, overproduced TV gameshow.
