West Port Productions

A Killer Setting for a Play

Following a successful run in November 2010, 'Burke' by Caroline Dunford, will now be touring as a new exciting site specific production.

Days before he is set to be executed in front of 25,000 people, William Burke, one half of the notorious serial killers, Burke and Hare, sits in his jail. Cold, lonely, at odds with his god, and with only his jailor – Captain Rose – to keep him company, Burke attempts to regain his moral position before he dies.

"this is a strong, enthralling production with three excellent performances" Thom Dibdin

"Caroline Dunford's script covers some fascinating ground"

Joyce McMillan

Written by local crime writer Caroline Dunford, directed by Stuart Nicoll and produced by West Port Productions, this ‘tight and gripping three-hander’ will visit Jedburgh astle Jail, Inveraray Jail before returning to the true scene of the crime, the subterranean underworld of Edinburgh, at the Vault, Merchant Street (off Candlemaker Row).

Gregor Firth, and Andrew Hainey, will reprise their roles as ‘William Hare’ and ‘William Burke’.

 "Hainey is excellent as the protagonist"

"Firth has the lesser of the three roles, but displays a menacing strength whenever the spotlight shines on him"

They will be joined by Adam Tomkins, who will take on the role of ‘Captain Hugh Rose’.

If you missed this excellent short play first time round, this your opportunity to see it again! West Port Productions are a young scottish theatre company, the actors are all Edinburgh based, amd the story itself is one that has been shrouded in mystery for almost 200 years. This is a great opportunity to support new and innovative work, being produced right in the centre of Edinbrugh, with additional peformances that will reach out to the rural communitites. Hope to see you all there!

Ticket information



The Vault, Merchant Street, Edinburgh EH1 2QD

Wed 26th - Sat 29th Oct, 8.00pm, 55 minutes

£8/£7 conc.

To purchase tickets, please click here.