Aim

Help Diagnostic Trouble Code make their Fringe debut with a satirical clown show about vegetables and the rise of populism.

The Terribly Credible Definitely Edible Tale of the Town of Cropshire by Diagnostic Trouble Code

Photo credit: Shuyi Huang (@yi_in_theatre) 

“Friends, Romans, Countrymen: lend me your sexy little ears of corn…”

Welcome to Cropshire: a world of welly-wearing farmers, weather reports, and perpetually confused politicians. A nationwide ban on vegetables causes chaos in the community. Luckily, one charismatic Cropshire citizen knows exactly where to point the finger… 

The Terribly Credible Definitely Edible Tale of the Town of Cropshire is a metatheatrical fable about the rise of right-wing populism, told by six multirolling clowns, a foley artist, and LOTS of vegetables. The show establishes a slapstick world of cartoon fights, dream ballets and increasingly absurd political speeches, before the comedy subsides, revealing a haunting vision of a town fragmented by violent political oppression. It’s an unflinching dissection of how the language of crisis is weaponised to control communities.

Created by Diagnostic Trouble Code - an international theatre collective representing 6 different countries - the show draws on its ensemble’s unique intercultural perspective to respond to the global increase in fascism. It was selected for Camden People’s Theatre’s Test Match Scheme in Autumn 2025, performing a sold-out work in progress performance developed with dramaturgical support from award-winning theatre maker Sam Ward. Our work-in-progress sharings were praised by audience members for being energetic and intelligent, and a refreshing approach to contemporary political theatre making. “Joyful, biting and deliciously absurd,” wrote one attendee to our CPT performance, “Cropshire moves political discussions forward in a way that only really bonkers theatre can.” 

But we need your help!

We are ecstatic and incredibly grateful to have been awarded the 2026 Shedload-of-Future Fund, making it possible for us to make our company debut at this years Edinburgh Fringe Festival (you can read more about the award here). This money is covering our venue, marketing, insurance and tech operator costs, however we still need help to finance a place for us to stay whilst performing. The cost of accommodation is one of the biggest barriers for emerging artists attending the festival -- especially when you are a company of 7! We know money is tight right now, but anything you can give, however small, will go a long way in supporting a global collective of artists taking their first step on an international stage.

Photo credit: Kate Hockenhull Photography

A bit more about DTC

Diagnostic Trouble Code is an emerging international theatre collective creating bold political performance through clowning, ensemble theatre, and absurdist satire. Our company is made up of artists from all over the world (Columbia, Mexico, Taiwan, the Netherlands, USA, UK) working across multiple languages and disciplines, including theatre, performance art, dramaturgy, and sound design. What connects us is a shared interest in how politics operates theatrically, whether through spectacle, rhetoric, or the manipulation of collective emotion.

Our practice is ensemble-led and non-hierarchical, drawing on physical theatre and devising techniques that allow artists to collaborate beyond language or cultural barriers. Cropshire is our first major production as a collective, bringing together the political interests and performance styles we have each developed in our individual practices. Members of the company have trained at institutions such as the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama and Royal Court Theatre; have presented work with Camden People’s Theatre, Union Theatre, Voila! Festival, and Drayton Arms Theatre; have won awards such as the National Theatre Award from TeatroUNAM; and been awarded notable grants for their work including the the Bogotá City Creation Grant (IDARTES, 2022).

Photo Credit: Shuyi Huang (@yi_in_theatre)

Why invest in Edinburgh?

With the soaring costs of participating in the festival, we have asked ourselves this question many times...

As an early-career company without an established profile, we are at a pivotal moment: we have developed a distinctive artistic voice and a strong collaborative methodology, but we need a platform to introduce our work to wider audiences and industry. The Edinburgh Fringe offers exactly that. It is one of the few places where a new ensemble can present ambitious, experimental work and connect directly with audiences, reviewers, and programmers. Performing for two weeks across the festival will enable us to gain publicity momentum, providing the unique chance to attract reviewers from higher profile publications. We hope to use this momentum to secure a future London run and touring opportunities so that we can continue to grow our profile. In short, Edinburgh is the ideal launchpad for our unique process-led company.

Photo Credit: Shuyi Huang (@yi_in_theatre)

Why support a bunch of clowns?

Now is an urgent moment for Cropshire. Across the world we are witnessing the rise of populist leaders who use spectacle, media performance, and crisis rhetoric to consolidate power. The show responds to this reality to expose the absurd mechanics of authority before they become normalized. Moreover, we are a migrant-led company whose work aims to empower and uplift migrant voices, directly opposing the anti-immigration rhetoric currently being pushed by right-wing politicians and press. By choosing to donate to us, you support both our work and political mission.

Thank you!

If you've read this far, thank you! We cannot express how much we appreciate you! If you are in a position to donate, please do. But more than anything, we would love it if you could take to the socials, to the dance floor, to the book club to spread the word about us and our show. Or better still, come along and see us in Edinburgh! We would be eternally grateful.

Thank you so much for your support.

DTC xxx

(Eleanor, Laura, Vera, Ali Abi, Ari and Dani) 

Show information:

The Terribly Credible Definitely Edible Tale of the Town of Cropshire by Diagnostic Trouble Code

Venue: Assembly Roxy: Upstairs

Time: 19.45

Dates: 17-31st August

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made by 9th July 2026 at 3:13pm