Behind Closed Doors - Edinburgh Fringe 2026

Behind Closed Doors is an incredibly personal and powerful piece of theatre, brought to life by two excellent performances from Corey Muizelaar and Ben Robert Cunningham.

Based on a real period in Muizelaar’s own life, the play follows Jude, played by Muizelaar, and Charlie, played by Cunningham, in an intense two-hander that tackles some incredibly difficult subjects. Despite the weight of the material, the production always keeps the relationship between the two characters at its centre.

It is the performances that really make Behind Closed Doors work.

Muizelaar and Cunningham have a brilliant natural chemistry together, and you completely believe in the relationship they create on stage. With only two actors carrying the production, that connection is essential, and both performers more than rise to the challenge.

Muizelaar is excellent as Jude, bringing a real vulnerability to the character without ever pushing the emotion too far. He is particularly strong in the quieter moments, often managing to communicate just as much through a pause or a look as he does through the dialogue.

Cunningham gives an equally strong performance as Charlie. He has a fantastic presence on stage and is extremely watchable throughout. Charlie moves through anger, frustration and vulnerability, and Cunningham handles those changes naturally. The two actors bounce brilliantly off one another and feel very evenly matched.

There are some difficult and highly charged moments throughout the production, and for the most part they are handled extremely well. The only area that could perhaps use a little more work is some of the stage combat. At times, the choreography is slightly more noticeable than it needs to be, particularly because everything around it feels so natural.

It is a small criticism and certainly doesn’t take away from the strength of the piece. If anything, it stands out because Muizelaar and Cunningham have created such believable characters and such a convincing relationship around it.

Knowing that Behind Closed Doors comes from Muizelaar’s own experiences inevitably adds another layer to the production. Taking something so personal and difficult and putting it in front of an audience takes courage, particularly when it opens conversations around subjects that can often remain behind closed doors.

However, the production doesn’t rely on its true story to make an impact. Behind Closed Doors works because it is simply a very good piece of theatre, with strong writing and two excellent performers at its centre.

With a little further work on the physical sequences, there is room for the production to become even stronger. But this is already an impressive, moving and extremely well-acted piece that deserves to be seen.

Behind Closed Doors plays at Alba Theatre at Braw Venues @ Hill Street until 29 August. BUY TICKETS -

Behind Closed Doors | Edinburgh Festival Fringe

SHOW INFORMATION

Show: Behind Closed Doors Venue: Alba Theatre at Braw Venues @ Hill Street Rating: ★★★★☆ Reviewed by: Liam