Carnegie
★★★☆☆ Informative
Braw Venues @ Grand Lodge: Fri 7 – Sun 30 Aug 2026
Review by Flora Henderson
Returning after a successful run in 2016, Carnegie at Braw Venues @ Grand Lodge is a contemporary musical inspecting the life and achievements of Andrew Carnegie from all angles.
Written and composed by Ian Hammond Brown, the story opens in 1919 at the close of Carnegie’s life (played by Luis Garrow). Ex-steelworker John (Daniel Medina) is asked by Peterson (Ronnie Honey) to determine Carnegie’s fate in the afterlife.
A scene from Carnegie. Pic: Thomas Haywood.
Medina has a powerful presence and John’s bitterness towards the deceased is evident from the outset, calling into question the intentions of this renowned philanthropist. Honey is less successful as the saint, and his American accent certainly needs some polish.
In order to support John’s decision, we are taken on a journey through Carnegie’s life, beginning with his birth in Dunfermline. Garrow, a strong tenor with a clear tone, gives an understated but genuine performance as the historical figure.
He is supported by a fairly large ensemble who work well together, never pulling focus and remaining consistently focused and attentive. Director Derek Douglas’ decision to have the cast remain on stage throughout could be a risky one, but in this instance they pull it off.
formidable
Most of the singing is in unison, but the blend is sometimes imbalanced with the words not always clear, something which is very important due to the factual nature of the show.
As the narrative progresses, covering Carnegie’s move to America, several characters who shaped his life are introduced. Jude Vandecasteele is formidable as Margaret Carnegie, bringing an authentic Scottish voice and demonstrating quick comedic timing.
A scene from Carnegie. Pic: Thomas Haywood.
Elizabeth Dyce is equally impressive as Louise, Carnegie’s younger love interest. She has a beautiful, expressive voice but never compromises on diction, and her characterisation is embodied and truthful.
Unfortunately, some of the ensemble members are less promising in their featured roles. Lauren Honey shows little emotional connection as John’s wife, Mary, especially when she is singing, and Cameron Mclaren is often inaudible.
knowledge
The story ends as it began, at Carnegie’s deathbed, but this time with the audience’s knowledge significantly increased. Although the piece, with a run time of two hours, achieves its aim as an educational drama, the lack of variety throughout means that the amount of information being squeezed into each number becomes slightly overwhelming.
Nevertheless, it cannot be denied that Carnegie leaves its audiences with a deeper understanding of this famous Scottish businessman’s motivations, endeavours, and complexities, realising its goal to both inform and invite moral reflection.
Running time: Two hours including one interval.
Braw Venues @ Grand Lodge (Grand Hall), 96 George Street EH2 3DH (Venue 7).
Friday 7 – Sunday 30 August 2026.
Daily: 7pm.
Tickets and details: Book here at EdFringe.com.
Edinburgh Little Theatre website: edinburghlittletheatre.com
ENDS
