Burke and Hare: Body Snatchers, Serial Killers, Ulstermen

Burke and Hare: Body Snatchers, Serial Killers, Ulstermen

Andrew JohnstonProfessional company

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50 minutesPickle Studio
Everyone knows William Burke and William Hare. The world's most notorious grave robbers – who never robbed a grave. Sinister serial killers, decades before Jack the Ripper. Iconic characters in Scotland's great story – yet Irish born and bred. Belfast horror and true crime tour guide Andrew Johnston of Alternative Ulstours reclaims the two Willies for the north of Ireland in this informative and entertaining retelling of the bloody bonkers tale of history's most misunderstood murderers. Come back to late 1820s Edinburgh, when no body was safe from Burke and Hare!

About Andrew Johnston

Burke and Hare: Body Snatchers, Serial Killers, Ulstermen is a spoken word show by Andrew Johnston, a Belfast horror and true crime tour guide from Alternative Ulstours. The 50-minute show reclaims William Burke and William Hare for the north of Ireland in an informative and entertaining retelling of the bloody, bonkers tale of history's most misunderstood murderers — men described as the world's most notorious grave robbers who never robbed a grave. The show is performed at Pickle Studio as part of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and is suitable for audiences aged 12 and above.

Why see this show?

A true crime tour guide from Belfast takes William Burke and William Hare back to their Irish roots — and back to the Edinburgh of the late eighteen-twenties — in a spoken word retelling that is both informative and entertainingly strange. A fresh angle on one of Scotland's most notorious stories.

Tickets

£10 (9)

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When

Monday 11 - Saturday 23 August 2025

All performances at 11:25

12 performances

Duration

50 mins

Cast

1 performers

Festival

Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2025

Venue
Pickle Studio

322 Lawnmarket

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Additional Information

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the show?

The show runs for 50 minutes.

What age is it suitable for?

The show is suitable for audiences aged 12 and above.

Are there content warnings?

Yes — the show contains distressing or potentially triggering themes.

What kind of show is it?

It is a spoken word historical horror show that retells the story of Burke and Hare, framing them as Irish-born figures whose legacy has been misunderstood.

Where is it performed?

The show takes place at Pickle Studio as part of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

What are the ticket prices?

Tickets are £10, with a concession rate of £9. See the booking link on this page for current availability.

About This Performance

Burke and Hare: Body Snatchers, Serial Killers, Ulstermen is a spoken word performance at Pickle Studio during Edinburgh Festival 2025. Running for 50 minutes, this show is part of the world's largest arts festival, bringing together performers and audiences from across the globe.

Experience the magic of live performance at Edinburgh Festival. Each show offers something unique and memorable.

Venue: Pickle Studio

Pickle Studio is one of Edinburgh's Festival venues, hosting a variety of performances throughout August. Located in the heart of the city, the venue is accessible by public transport and within walking distance of other Festival locations.

Tips for Attending

  • Read recent reviews for audience reactions
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Booking Information

Ticket Prices: From £10

Age Guidance: 12+

Content Warnings: Contains distressing or potentially triggering themes

Book early to avoid disappointment. Popular shows sell out quickly during Edinburgh Festival.

Part of Edinburgh Festival 2025

Edinburgh Festival transforms Scotland's capital into the world's leading cultural destination every August. With thousands of performances across hundreds of venues, the festival offers unparalleled choice for culture lovers.Burke and Hare: Body Snatchers, Serial Killers, Ulstermen represents the creative spirit that makes Edinburgh Festival unique.

Looking for more spoken word shows at Edinburgh Festival 2025?

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Data provided courtesy of the Edinburgh Festivals Listings API