Copycat is written and performed by Joe Sellman-Leava, developed with and directed by Katharina Reinthaller, and designed by Dylan Howells. The show explores imitation, AI, creativity, and democracy through impressions of Big Tech overlords, former teachers, and celebrities. Drawing on personal experience of AI disrupting the work of screenwriters and artists, it connects professional uncertainty to wider societal disruption caused by technological change. Set in a school in the mid-noughties, the show examines how Big Tech CEOs are reshaping society, politics, and reality itself.
Cast and Creative Team for Copycat at Pleasance
Cast
Joe Sellman-Leava
Ensemble
Creative Team
Joe Sellman-Leava
Writer
Dylan Howells
Designer
Katharina Reinthaller
Director
News About Copycat at Pleasance
Joe Sellman-Leava to Bring COPYCAT To The Edinburgh Fringe
May 29, 2026 Fringe First winner Joe Sellman-Leava brings COPYCAT to Edinburgh Fringe, a cross-genre solo show exploring AI, creativity, and democracy through impressions of Big Tech CEOs, celebrities, and teachers.About the Theatre
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ARCADE (08/05/26-08/31/26)
What shows have played recently at Pleasance?
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The Fit Prince (Who Gets Switched On The Square In The Frosty Castle The Night Before (Insert Public Holiday Here)) (07/30/25-08/25/25)
Untold Stories - Modern Mime Tales (07/30/25-08/24/25)
DYKE Systems Ltd (07/30/25-08/25/25)
We The People (07/30/25-08/24/25)
BITCH (07/30/25-08/25/25)
Scaffolding (10/26/24-10/27/24)
Jack Tucker: Comedy Standup Hour (08/21/24-08/21/24)
The Writing On The Stall (08/14/24-08/25/24)
Stamptown (08/03/24-08/24/24)
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