Fragments
★★★☆☆ Strong potential
Hoots @ The Apex (Venue 108): Fri 7 – Sun 30 Aug 2026
Review by Erin Frances Speirs
Part stand-up, part theatrical therapy session, Fragments is a deeply-personal, autobiographical exploration of the devastating, lifelong effects of childhood trauma and abuse from actor and comedian Martin Bearne.
Written and performed by Bearne, who is performing for the full Fringe at Hoots in the Grassmarket Apex, Fragments is filled with dark humour, one-liners, and confessions of Bearne’s troubled past, as he explores the darkness that shapes you.
Martin Bearne introduces himself. Pic Supplied
Fragments’ narrative structure unfolds beautifully by the end of the piece. Beginning with a drunk Bearne taking the stage, portraying his prior coping mechanism of alcoholism, the piece then switches back and forth between stand-up and Bearne speaking about his troubles in therapy.
There are some structural kinks early on that could be ironed out with a more dramaturgical development and perhaps a separate director to examine the piece. However, Fragments ultimately tells the story of a man desperate for the support of the person who stole his innocence, portraying the numerous copying mechanisms used to get through a life of mental torment.
Not all the one-liners land successfully, as Bearne alternates between stand-up and trying to make his therapist laugh, creating some awkward tension. However, as is often the case with comedy, a fuller room with a more energetic audience would help. Bearne’s stage presence is strong, singularly holding attention throughout.
Bearne has created a deeply personal script, which slowly unveils the truths of his life and which he performs enigmatically.
dark comedy in its truest form
Fragments is dark comedy in its truest form, rather than being an ‘anti-woke’ creation. This is even commented on within the piece. It is a refreshing break from a corrupted idea of dark comedy for those who are progressive, yet cynically inclined. Bearne lays his heart and soul out on stage, whilst providing humour as a defence mechanism, all too common for those with deep, intense trauma.
Ultimately, Fragments is a funny and hard-hitting love letter to letting go. Although some moments do fall into the Fringe trauma-dumping trope, these are justified by the devastating reveal and conclusion.
A play about trying to make your therapist laugh, Fragments is a relatable – not in its exact content but within Bearne’s all too common reactions to trauma – and moving piece of autobiographical theatre. With some additional dramaturgical support and clearer directions, Fragments would truly come together and shine.
Running time: 50 minutes (no interval).
Hoots @ The Apex (Hoots 3), 31-35 Grassmarket, EH1 2HS (Venue 108).
Friday 7 – Sunday 30 August 2026.
Daily (Not 9, 17/18, 24/25): 6.20pm.
Tickets and details: Book here at EdFringe.com.
Martin Bearne Instagram: @martinbearne
Martin Bearne in Fragments. Pic Supplied
ENDS
