one4review | On 09, Aug 2022

Most people will know the story of Burke and Hare, who killed a reported 16 people and sold their bodies to an anatomist in Edinburgh in 1828. Very few will know the story of Burke’s wife, Helen MacDougal, told here by Sarah Maria Lafferty and the Felix Culpa Theatre Company. Lafferty takes on the persona of Helen in a one-woman show and brings her to life in an engaging hour-long piece of theatre. We hear about Helen’s life before Burke, and how she met him and thought of him as a protective figure, saving her from the unwanted attention of other men. As Burke and Hare began their grizzly pastime, she had no idea what her husband was up to until the final murder at a Halloween party, which she witnessed and tried to prevent. Despite keeping quiet and saying nothing to incriminate her husband, both she and Burke were put on trial for murder thanks to Hare turning King’s evidence against them. Whilst the case against Helen was not proven, there was no happy ending.

The play takes place on a small stage in the corner of the bar at SHOUT and, with inevitable background noise and a poor acoustic, it is occasionally difficult to hear the dialogue. It is therefore to Lafferty’s credit that she remains convincing in her role and keeps the audience’s attention throughout the play. This is traditional small-scale fringe, taking me back to a time before the big venues came in and began to dominate the scene. I would encourage you to give this show a try and I’m sure you won’t go away disappointed.

****

Reviewed by Howard

SHOUT – The Scottish Music Experience

18.00 (1hr)

Until 19^th August