Plague, Poo n’ Punishment
★★★★☆ Ghoulish fun
Scottish Storytelling Centre (Venue 30): Thur 31 July – 24 Aug 2025.
Review by Sophie Good
Edinburgh Storytellers Ltd bring to life (or afterlife) the horrible histories of Edinburgh in Plague, Poo n’ Punishment, an entertaining romp of some of the city’s hidden secrets at the Scottish Storytelling Centre.
A sleepy judge, played by Ben Nardone, awaits the audience as they sit down. He seems to be open to one or two bribes and is light on the need for evidence; he’d like to know if you’re ‘guilty or very guilty’. He’s part of an entertaining duo with Natalie Nardone who plays his down-to-earth sidekick who is partial to a rat stew.
Natalie Nardone and Ben Nardone. Plague, Poo and Punishment. Pic: Craig James Moncur.
Together they sing, dance and entertain over the course of just under than an hour. They cover the classic ‘gardiloo’ warning if you don’t want to be covered in sewage from a window above you. They also tell the familiar tales of Deacon Brodie and the murderous Burke and Hare. There are also less expected moments, including a silly and highly entertaining visit from a puppet goat.
There is plenty of audience participation involved – and our young reviewer came out onto the Royal Mile singing Plague, Poo n’ Punishment and doing the corresponding actions.
enjoyable show
It’s a really enjoyable show, the spirits of Edinburgh’s past are educational and fun – a perfect morning show for primary school aged children. It’s aimed at age eight-plus and that seems to be about right, given there are a few ghostly references that might frighten more sensitive viewers.
It’s Plague, Poo n’ Punishment for the whole family however. And, if you don’t mind participating in a few songs, just as good for adults too.
Running time: 50 minutes (no interval).
Scottish Storytelling Centre (Netherbow Theatre), 43-45 High Street EH1 1SR (Venue 30).
Thursday 31 July – Sunday 24 August 2025.
Daily (not 13-15, 18-22): 10.30pm.
Tickets and details: Book here on EdFringe.com.
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ENDS
