Hatches, Matches and Dispatches

Hatches, Matches and Dispatches

Edinburgh People's TheatreAmateur Company

150 minutesChurch Hall
The hilarious follow-up to Alan Cochrane's play Ne'er the Twain performed by EPT, the only company to have been at every Edinburgh Festival Fringe ever! It is 1924, one year after Parliament decreed that Edinburgh and Leith should become one town, but old rivalries still fester. An impending marriage between two families – one Leith working class, the other Edinburgh upper middle class – is in jeopardy when an unmarried mother-to-be turns up at the door. The complications are added to by the ghost of a Newhaven Fishwife with a few scores to settle.

About the show

Hatches, Matches and Dispatches is a comedy historical theatre piece by Edinburgh People's Theatre, performed at Church Hall as part of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Set in 1924, one year after Parliament decreed that Edinburgh and Leith should become one town, old rivalries between the two communities still fester. An impending marriage between a Leith working-class family and an Edinburgh upper-middle-class family is thrown into jeopardy when an unmarried mother-to-be appears at the door — and a ghost with scores to settle complicates things further. The show runs for 150 minutes and tickets are £15.

Why see this show?

A classic comedy of manners with a ghost story running underneath it — class rivalries, unexpected arrivals, and a Newhaven Fishwife from beyond the grave. Edinburgh People's Theatre brings real warmth and craft to a well-constructed historical comedy.

Event Details

Friday 1 - Saturday 16 August 2025

19:30, 14:30

14 performances

150 minutes

Church Hall

18 West Mayfield

View on map

10 performers

Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2025

Ticket Price

£15 (12)

Additional Information

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the show?

Hatches, Matches and Dispatches runs for 150 minutes.

How much are tickets?

Tickets are £15, with concessions available at £12.

What age is the show suitable for?

The show is recommended for audiences aged 12 and over.

Are there any content warnings?

No content warnings are listed for this show.

Where is the show performed?

The show takes place at Church Hall as part of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

Is this a sequel?

Yes — it is described as the follow-up to Alan Cochrane's play Ne'er the Twain, also performed by Edinburgh People's Theatre.

About This Theatre Production

Hatches, Matches and Dispatches is a theatre performance at Church Hall during Edinburgh Festival 2025. Running for 150 minutes, this show is part of the world's largest arts festival, bringing together performers and audiences from across the globe.

Experience compelling storytelling brought to life by talented performers. Theatre at Edinburgh ranges from intimate black box productions to grand stage spectacles.

Venue: Church Hall

Church Hall 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

  • Check for trigger warnings if sensitive to certain topics
  • Most Fringe theatre runs without interval
  • Latecomers may not be admitted
  • Consider matinee performances for a relaxed experience

Booking Information

Ticket Prices: From £15

Age Guidance: 12+

Content Warnings: None

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.Hatches, Matches and Dispatches represents the theatrical innovation that makes Edinburgh Festival unique.

Looking for more theatre shows at Edinburgh Festival 2025?

Browse all Theatre shows →

Similar Events

Loading similar events...

Data provided courtesy of the Edinburgh Festivals Listings API