An award-winning Edinburgh Fringe show is helping audiences discuss assisted dying, death and family relationships in a supportive and judgement-free way.
Written and performed by Bonnie Oddie, That’s Why Mums go to Switzerland is based on her experience of taking her mother to Swiss clinic Dignitas to end her life after an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, and the intergenerational dynamics of a family experiencing the exceptional.
The show won Best Solo Show at Riverside Studios’ Bitesize Festival in 2024 and has since garnered a positive critical reception and strong word-of-mouth.
To give visitors space and time to reflect, the team supporting the show have set up a space in the Festival’s Bristo Square area for people to write down their thoughts, feelings, and reflections on the complex issues raised by the show.
One audience member said, “Anyone with a daughter, mother, or grandmother will be moved. Generational storytelling all while hanging laundry.”
Another added, “[a] compelling piece of storytelling. Loved the washing line and Bonnie’s movement…”
The show has drawn attention from organisations from both sides of Scotland’s assisted dying debate who have complimented the way it humanises the issue of assisted dying and presents an even-handed, personal depiction of the emotive subject.
That’s Why Mums go to Switzerland runs until 31 August (not 24th) 11:25am in Underbelly Bristo Square (Clover).
Writer and performer, Bonnie Oddie, said: “One of the things I wanted to do with this show was to help create a non-partisan and non-judgemental discussion around death, assisted dying, and family relationships.
“As a team, we decided the best way to do that is to take a washing line, a prop from the show, and provide space and materials to let our audiences write down what they think and feel after they come to see us.
“I’ve been blown away by some of the reactions and conversations that we’ve had, it’s been inspiring, emotional, and has shown to me that people want and need to talk about these difficult topics.”