The Court 3
★★★☆☆ Fun in justice
Braw Venues @ Grand Lodge (Venue 7): Fri 7 – Sun 30 Aug 2026
Review by Shuang Ning Tan
Edinburgh Little Theatre presents The Court 3, in which the year is 1591 and folk healer Agnes Sampson is being put on trial for witchcraft in Scotland – with the audience acting as jury.
Inspired by a true story, this production turns the past into a legal drama, offering a refreshing take on a historical event which may baffle (or even offend) modern sensibilities. It is exactly what you might expect based on its premise, and good fun all around.
The Court 3 Illustration
As an interactive show, audience members are incorporated into the story. The Clerk (Derek Douglas) begins by assembling the seven-person jury, who reserve the right to question Agnes (the accused) and William (the prosecutor) later, during improvised questioning sessions. While everyone is encouraged to participate in the show, only members of the jury can interact directly with the characters, so remember to arrive early if you wish to volunteer yourself.
Ashley Garrett plays a sympathetic Agnes, her cowering demeanour and trembling voice making her apprehension plain for all to see. Yet it isn’t merely her pitiful, traumatic circumstances that create such a compelling character. Garrett brings Agnes Sampson to life by portraying her indignation and inspiring strength, even when the cards are stacked against her.
imposing presence
Alasdair Chamberlain’s William, by contrast, is an imposing presence in the courtroom. Holding an impressive list of accusations, the strait-laced young man is truly a product of his time, overpowering Agnes with his booming voice and self-righteous attitude. His character is deplorable; he is someone you love to hate. By his side is the elderly Judge (played by Alan Ireby), who is suitably entertaining and capable of commanding the room at crucial moments.
However, Derek Douglas (as the Clerk) has arguably the most important role of all: facilitating audience participation. During breaks in which Agnes, the Judge and William leave the room, Douglas alone is left to field questions and provide historical titbits about sixteenth-century Scotland, like a history teacher.
While its final moments could be better framed, The Court 3 is still a fun historical show – as fascinating (and frustrating) as only history can be.
Running time: 55 minutes (no interval).
Braw Venues @ Grand Lodge (Committee Room), 96 George Street EH2 3DH (Venue 7).
Friday 7 – Sunday 30 August 2026.
Daily: 3.45pm.
Tickets and details: Book here at EdFringe.com.
Tickets direct from venue: Book here.
Braw Venues website: https://brawvenues.com
ENDS
