This event is part of the Out There Fringe Fest’26 performance programme, ​supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England​.

Healing King Herod
Co-created by Eloïse Poulton.

It's 2026 and King Herod is leading a self-development pyramid scheme. Join award winning clown, Riss Obolensky, for an hour of frivolity, shock and redemption. In a post-truth world punctuated by conspiracy, division and collapse, it's time to forgive… yourself.

It's 2026 and King Herod is leading a self-development pyramid scheme. You remember Herod, the biblical despot and enemy of Jesus? That's right: he's done the work, he's reached inside and by God, he's got a wellness program to show for it. Expect frivolity, shock and redemption in a process which asks the big questions: Who can we really trust? What are eggs? Why are you crying? In a post-truth world punctuated by conspiracy, division and collapse, it's time to forgive… yourself.

Healing King Herod reached critical acclaim at its Edinburgh run, following its preview at Soho Theatre and sell out run at VAULT Festival 2023. It was nominated Show of the Week and the recipient of Phoebe Waller Bridge's Keep it Fringe fund. The world has changed a lot since then. Join Herod in a revamped hour of transformation.

"Unmissable" ★★★★ The Skinny
"Magnetic" ★★★★½ The Reviews Hub
"Brilliantly weird" ★★★★ Fringe Biscuit
"Ridiculous" ★★★★ Three Weeks

Instagram @rissobolensky

Content warnings and age guidance
References to trauma. References to the Bible and biblical infanticide. Use of haze. Use of strobe. Use of food (jam and gluten-free jam tarts).

This show is part of the Out There Fringe Fest’26 programme, ​supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England​.