Sweet

Sweet

Edinburgh Graduate Theatre GroupAmateur Company

60 minutesThe Hepburn Suite
Edinburgh, early 19th century. The struggle for the abolition of slavery gathers pace. Widowed matriarch Nelly is newly converted to the cause, even though her family’s fortunes, along with much of the city, are built on the slave trade. Fighting powerful men with vested interests, including Nelly’s sons, who will stop at nothing to protect their wealth, Nelly must choose between conscience and family. Through her maid Jeanie’s eyes, we witness that struggle. Might the resourceful women exploit the notorious Scottish sweet tooth to advance the cause? 'A superb piece of theatre' ***** (ArtsReviewsEdinburgh.com praise for A Singular Deception).

About the show

Sweet is a new historical drama set in Edinburgh in the early nineteenth century, during the struggle for the abolition of slavery. Widowed matriarch Nelly has become converted to the abolitionist cause, even though her family's fortunes — along with much of the city — are built on the slave trade. Told through the eyes of her maid Jeanie, the play follows Nelly as she fights powerful men with vested interests, including her own sons, and asks whether resourceful women might use the notorious Scottish sweet tooth to advance the cause. Performed by Edinburgh Graduate Theatre Group.

Why see this show?

A gripping new play that finds the abolitionist struggle in an unexpected corner of Edinburgh's history, told with sharp dramatic tension through the eyes of a household maid. History, conscience and the sweet tooth of a city all collide.

Event Details

Monday 10 - Saturday 15 August 2026

All performances at 18:30

6 performances

60 minutes

The Hepburn Suite

29-31 Abercromby Place

View on map

3 performers

Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2026

Ticket Price

£15

Additional Information

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sweet about?

It is set in Edinburgh in the early nineteenth century and follows widowed matriarch Nelly, who joins the abolitionist cause despite her family's ties to the slave trade, seen through the eyes of her maid Jeanie.

Who performs the show?

The show is performed by Edinburgh Graduate Theatre Group.

How long is the show?

The show runs for 60 minutes.

What is the age guidance?

The show is suitable for ages 12 and over.

Are there any content warnings?

The show contains distressing or potentially triggering themes.

How much do tickets cost?

Tickets are £15. See the booking link on this page for current ticket prices.

About This Theatre Production

Sweet is a theatre performance at The Hepburn Suite during Edinburgh Festival 2026. Running for 60 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: The Hepburn Suite

The Hepburn Suite 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: Contains distressing or potentially triggering themes

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

Part of Edinburgh Festival 2026

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.Sweet represents the theatrical innovation that makes Edinburgh Festival unique.

Looking for more theatre shows at Edinburgh Festival 2026?

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