Theatre REVIEW: The Burns Project - ★★★★★

Mix Up Theatre (Stewart)
1 day ago
2 min read

Take a seat at the Bard’s table for an intimate, unique theatrical experience exploring the complicated life and legacy of Robert Burns. Placing the audience in seats around an “immaculately designed” dinner table, the play draws spectators into close proximity with Burns himself, as the set comes alive around them with hidden voices, music and secrets – titillating, shameful and surprising in equal measure. Sitting around the table in the Henry Irving Room, let the story unfold - as you become part of history.

With unprecedented access to Robert Burns’ private letters, this striking production explores the man behind the legend in all his brilliance and contradiction. Created by writer/performer James Clements (“magnetic” (The Scotsman), “embodied” (The Guardian), ”[Burns has] never felt more alive” (The QR Reivew)), this immersive play blends letters, poetry and live music to bring Burns vividly to life, inviting audiences to encounter him unfiltered – a contradictory icon laid bare.

Co-created with the National Trust for Scotland and directed by Olivier award-winning director Cora Bissett (June Carter: The Woman, Her Music, and Me / What Girls Are Made Of), the production has enjoyed a sold-out run at the Edinburgh Fringe, two national tours and a US tour in March 2026 - and is returning home to Edinburgh for this strictly limited engagement.

Where?

Royal Lyceum, Edinburgh - until 5th July

WEBSITE

Sarah - ★★★★1/5

"A lovely piece of work that meets tourists and locals alike. Dynamic performances and brings into question if Burns' professional work is tainted by his personal life. A new and interesting take on Scotland's most influential artist and Scotsman. Incredivly well thought out and executed. Catch while you can."