A new musical at the Edinburgh Fringe attempts to retell the infamous 1892 Lizzie Borden case, but critics say it struggles to keep pace with the already complicated story. 'Bury the Hatchet', produced by Out of the Forest Theatre, combines folk songs, murder ballads, blues, and bluegrass, alongside elements of true crime podcasting and macabre comedy.
The production, staged at Pleasance Dome, features writer Sasha Wilson alongside Lawrence Boothman and David Leopold, directed by Vicky Moran. The cast frequently steps out of character, and the audience is sometimes involved, but the rapid-fire approach leaves little room for emotional depth. The script is described as overloaded with footnotes, resulting in a curiously emotionless portrayal of the Borden family and the trial.
While the show is well-researched and includes captivating details—such as the fact that the murder house now operates as a hotel—it fails to deliver chills. The jarring combination of earnestness and throwaway comedy, including a talking corpse, prevents the story from being haunting. However, the music is richly delivered, featuring songs like 'Feeling Good' and 'The Wayfaring Stranger'.
The production does raise evergreen questions about sensationalism and sexism, and captures the historical era, including the limited scientific knowledge that hindered the investigation. Yet a leaner account would have been more effective, according to critics.
