Review: 300 Paintings by Sam Kissajukien at Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2025

Name: 300 Paintings
Brand: Sam Kissajukien
Rating: 4 (1 reviews)

Lisa in the theatre
Aug 21
3 min read

Following a sell-out Edinburgh Fringe 2024 and acclaimed New York runs, Sam Kissajukien brings his original comedy, art, theatre show '300 Paintings' back to the Edinburgh festivals for 2025. 300 Paintings plays at Summerhall until Monday 25th August 2025.

300 Paintings by Sam Kissajukien ★★★★☆

review: 20 August 2025 | Summerhall, Edinburgh Festival Fringe

Former stand-up comedian Sam Kissajukien stopped performing in 2021 due to a six-month bipolar manic episode. During that time, he created 300 paintings (and other works of art) that now stand as a reminder of his mental state and erratic actions during that time.

With his unique theatre performance '300 Paintings' Sydney, Australia based Sam mixes deeply personal storytelling with a comedic examination of his visual art and bizarre life during that period, alongside a curated exhibition of artworks that audiences are encouraged to visit after the show.

Even at the Edinburgh Fringe - a performing arts festival overflowing with the weird and the wonderful - 300 Paintings stands out as something unique and tough to classify. Sam's comedy performing background is clear however, his storytelling engaging, and often hilarious at his own expense. This is not a vanity project: Sam does not just want the audience to admire his art - he encourages them to laugh at the absurdity of it all with him.

Sam showcases his various art pieces via a huge video screen in the massive Summerhall, main hall; each painting revealed with precision timing for maximum impact and laughs. Woven between the stories behind each art piece, and underlying the entire show, is Sam's diagnosis with bipolar disorder and a particularly challenging period of his recent life when he moved into an old cake factory (with no windows) and hid himself away while experiencing a 6-month-long manic episode (they normally last a few days he tells us.)

300 Paintings does veer in unexpected directions at times, with Sam's foray into the business world particularly amusing. But at its heart it's a beautifully poignant exploration of one man's mental ill health, expertly presented with a knowledgeable, well-rounded light touch. First and foremost 300 paintings is a performance - a cheerful piece of art and entertainment. And it never feels too heavy: Sam has the balance just right.

The show at the 2025 Edinburgh Fringe does however feel a little rushed. Sam speaks quickly and races through his fascinating story at pace. Despite over running the 1 hour time by 5-10 minutes, the show (and perhaps Sam himself) would still benefit from slightly more time to breathe. Ironically the 60 minute long 300 Paintings felt a bit manic in parts. There is so much fascinating to content to work with here, and Sam himself is so likable and engaging, the time flew by in a heartbeat. It could comfortably fill a longer slot.

Highly recommended for art lovers, comedy fans or anyone who enjoys a good story told by a natural raconteur. 300 Paintings is an often moving, frequently funny, extraordinary whirlwind of a show. ★★★★☆

300 Paintings by Sam Kissajukien plays in the Main Hall at Summerhall until Monday 25 August 2025, during Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Find full dates of the performance and art exhibition below.

MORE: Find more Edinburgh Fringe news and reviews on Lisa in the Theatre here

Live performance 300 paintings shot - Photographer Vineyard Theatre — Live performance 300 paintings shot. Photographer: Vineyard Theatre

Deviser and performer Sam Kissajukien said:

“I'm genuinely excited about returning to Fringe at Summerhall. I had such an incredible experience last year. Summerhall's dual focus on theatre and visual art was the perfect home for my show and exhibition. Audiences that visit Summerhall are so open to new ideas and show concepts, which was perfect for me because of the unconventional nature of my show's offering.

One of my goals with the show is to pair visual and verbal communication to be more specific when discussing the more ineffable mental states associated with Bipolar. Discussions around mental health can be difficult. It was so motivating to see how ready UK audiences are to engage with this conversation in a positive way."