Haggis, Neeps and Burns
★★★☆☆ Measured
Braw Venues @ Grand Lodge (Venue 7): Fri 1 – Sun 24 Aug 2025
Review by Emily Geeson
Haggis, Neeps and Burns in the lower hall of Braw Venues @ Grand Lodge is an ode to Scotland’s national poet: recounted through letters, songs, and stories, it’s a mash-up that matches the output of the bard himself.
Directed by Georgina Heriot and with a cast of five, this small, intimate piece attempts to tease out the life and world of Robert Burns. This isn’t the first time that Edinburgh Little Theatre has staged this at the Fringe. But it is the first time for this cast, who put on a superb effort in an attempt to paint Burns from the point of view of those who knew him best – siblings, lovers, and friends.
A scene from Haggis, Neeps and Burns. Pic: ELT.
Adam Barnett plays the man himself: a stony-faced figure often hiding away at the corner of the stage – the story, however, often shines brightest when being told about Burns, rather than when Burns narrates. Spencer Wise is Gilbert Burns, the poet’s brother, and does an excellent job of commanding the stage, with several stand-out solos, and a performance of “A Red, Red Rose” that outshine Burns himself.
Eve Forbes and Vikki Selby play an assortment of Burnsian women, including friends and lovers. Forbes shines brightest as Mrs. Dunlop, a close confident of Burns, and radiates a quiet tenacity in her role as friend and correspondent. Selby gives a considered performance as Highland Mary, another of Burns’ loves, and her singing voice almost blossoms throughout the hall. Together, they make an impressive pair, and their high levels of energy are remarkable given how far we are into the Fringe at this point.
vast emotional range
Georgina Heriot juggles her directorial role with acting in this production, also playing an assorted cast, but most prominently Jean Armour, Burns’ wife. Despite her numerous roles, she manages to bring a distinct character to each with a vast emotional range, helping to bring charm and empathy to Armour as estranged wife and to her parade of other characters.
By the time the curtain comes down, Burns perhaps still remains an enigma. But for a cosy lunchtime treat (with a tasty snack besides – haggis, neeps and tatties are served on entry), Haggis, Neeps and Burns is worth a watch.
Running time: One hour (no interval).
Braw Venues @ Grand Lodge (Lower Hall), 96 George St, EH2 3DH. (Venue 7).
Friday 1 – Sunday 24August 2025.
Daily: 12.40pm.
Tickets and details: Book here on EdFringe.com.
Braw Venues website: www.brawvenues.com
A scene from Haggis, Neeps and Burns. Pic: ELT.
ENDS
