Review: The Provacateurs: This Library Needs a DJ / Horror Therapy, Fringe 2026

EDITOR’S NOTE: The Provocateurs have different shows on different days of the Fringe, and for this one, the lineup changed, creating a mismatch from what was initially advertised. The Show JI Braidi had a ticket to was initially called The Provocateurs: Mixed Signals / Horror Therapy.

I went to The Provocateurs not 100% sure if I was going to a performance, a stand up act, or a dry academic discussion. 

I was pleased to see it was bite-sized academia for Fringe Nerds, although not dry, but in a lite, casual setting with a friendly vibe and Q&A.

An hour of two distinct cosy micro-lectures from researchers with provocative goals and opinions, who want to make their pitch to you directly; YouTube be damned!

Fringe For Nerds

I’ve only been to this one showing from the Provocateurs but I’m immediately interested to look at what else they have on offer.

Each showing they have successfully lured two different academics out of their labs to spill the divisive tea in front of a curious audience. Across each of the shows they must have many researchers (and I believe each appears a couple of times across the fringe, in different pairings).

A quick search through their listings reveals such scientific shows as “WTF 999”, “Superhero Porn”, “Hookers for Jesus”, “Ethical Innovators”, “AI and Economics”, and “Panic! At the Cortex”, among many more.

Clearly these guests have very specific studies of interest and likely more than some that may squint your eyes in animosity… or cheer at finally feeling seen!

The organisers took a very small role in the show, ceding the stage to give as much time as possible to the PhD pair to share their propositions, and gather your thoughts.

In my case, I was there for “This Library Needs a DJ”, and “Horror Therapy”.

This Library Needs Freddy Krueger

Shhh!

It’s okay, you can talk (quietly).

The shushy librarian isn’t a stereotype Dr. Rachel Salzano enjoys, and wants to see her profession seen as one that encourages inclusivity in shared spaces, and not just to suck the joy out of the lives of noisy children (and adults).

Salzano spoke first, discussing her ongoing research about how to organise noise levels within a library. A shared space where folks preferences and tolerances might differ regarding sensory input.

Some folk need music or some noise to concentrate.

Some folk may prefer absolute silence, stillness, calmness, in order to focus.

Others may enjoy this quietness in theory, but if it feels too quiet could quickly become anxious: suddenly noticing how loud is your own breathing, the keys clicking on your laptop, a little cough or throat clear that seems to shake the walls.

How can one shared community space accommodate these needs, often conflicting, without becoming exclusionary places: what is the right flavour and level of noise for a library, do they need a DJ?

After a (shh) Q&A, we are left to ponder the question as the Hallowe’en theme tune kicks in and the lights dim. A bladed glove swings over the stage to grab the microphone, and we’re introduced to trauma therapist and fright fan Dr. Amy Beddows.

She proposes that horror as a genre, while often dismissed by academics and movie critics alike (how many scary movies get mentioned in the Oscars?), can be very powerful as a healing tool.

Not for everyone for sure, some people respond to horror fairly badly; anxiety, stress, upset, and probably no sleep that night.

Horror fans in particular respond surprisingly well; peaks and valleys of cortisol and dopamine lead your body to anxious states and then break the tension. A physiological rollercoaster that can leave you feeling exhilarated and without tension.

Or more psychologically, horror offers ways for people to discuss, observe, and share experiences or feelings that they can’t word, they can’t relive, they can’t express in any way that feels safe. Seeing it played out in fiction can help her patients feel validated, seen, and with an outlet to share what they can’t otherwise share.

How can complicated and divisive fiction media be used to calm or aid expression of trauma responses? That’s what she wants to dig into!

Fun-sized lectures

I don’t want to get into any more depth (no spoilers) about their research and proposals, as you’ll find a much more intimate and exciting session hearing it for yourself.

The organiser listings (at least written on the Fringe website) leave a bit too much to the imagination. I wasn’t really sure until the last minute what exactly kind of performance I was in for, especially since it was hosted by a known comedy club.

The specific pairings also only appear once each, with each guest appearing maybe two times across the Fringe, so specific pairings or topics are more difficult to plan than your average Fringe show.With many appearing in the afternoon weekdays, this could make planning quite difficult.

Value for money

Tickets are £13. Considering these are many different guest lecturers who you will have the chance to talk to and ask questions in a more closed intimate setting than over email or large lecture halls, this could feel a very fair price.

But it might also feel a bit on the steep end if you’re used to £15 getting you a dazzling circus performance or powerfully four-man scripted plays.

I guess it depends if you judge these prices as tickets for performers, or tickets for academia. A small space with some intimacy and a very friendly, light hearted atmosphere made these mini lectures so enjoyable to be a part of, as someone very interested in these discussion points.

Final thoughts

There was plenty of time for Q&A over the very specific topics opened the doors for specific questions and ideas from the audience,  and I walked away feeling intellectually refreshed and curious. I’m scrolling through The Provocateurs listings now, wondering what I might want to watch next.