Comic loses his Christ – and his Buddah – just days before Fringe play opens

A comedian is hoping to find Jesus at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe.

It’s nothing to do with a religious epiphany, but Raul Kohli has lost the actor due to play the Christian Messiah, just days before opening night.

What’s more, she pulled out 24 hours after her co-star - playing Buddha – also walked out, leaving the two-person play with zero cast.

While declining to name the actors involved, Kohli told Chortle: ‘The lead actor playing Buddha got cold feet and dropped out Monday morning at 1am.

‘He was perfect for the role. It was crafted for him, but he'd never worked on a project of this magnitude before. He got scared because as a straight white man he feared playing Buddha as a flamboyant homosexual, but I think somewhere deep down he felt nervous about doing a full hour.

‘This then led to the actress who flew out from America getting cold feet. For two days, I begged her for a commitment, but she kept not replying.  When we spoke on the phone, she kept coming up with reasons for why she couldn't decide.’

With the play, Buddha vs Jesus, due to open at Hoots @ Nicolson Square tomorrow, Kohil – who was raised Hindu – says he’s now found a ‘pretty good Buddha’ and has been auditioning for a new Jesus. He said the play portrays the revered figure as a prostitute, so the role should preferably be taken by a woman. 

‘If we can't find suitable actors, I'll do it as an insane 1 man drama,’ he added. ‘It's been a bit frustrating. I've had a transitional year mentally and writing this play has helped.

‘Buddha says life is suffering – it’s how you choose to respond that defines you.  Life – and the Fringe especially – is chaos, but we adapt.

‘I have five other shows but this is the one I've poured my heart, soul and money into. It means something to me.  I hope it means something to the audience.’

The show, in which the two figures debate the merits of their own religion and roast their rivals, will be on at Hoots @ Nicolson Square – in some form – at 1.20pm from tomorrow. 

Published: 6 Aug 2026