Gay London Life | Mar '26 Edition - Magazine - Page 20
Murder, Music and
a 1920s Scandal:
Entertaining
Murder Comes
to Highgate
There’s something irresistibly compelling about a
true crime story that refuses to settle. Add a 1920s
setting, a notorious Old Bailey trial, love letters,
betrayal - and then turn it into a full-scale musical and you’ve got Entertaining Murder.
Presented by LAMBCO Productions, this new production runs from 23
Burgess is no stranger to Upstairs at the Gatehouse, having premiered ten
April to 10 May at Upstairs at the Gatehouse in Highgate Village. Written
previous shows at the venue, and this latest work continues his flair for musical
and directed by Chris Burgess, the show revisits the infamous case of
storytelling rooted in historical intrigue.
Edith Thompson - accused in 1922 of colluding with her lover to murder her
husband. But was she truly guilty?
The trial became a national obsession, with crowds queueing for days to
witness the verdict. Edith’s lover, Freddy, insisted she was innocent and that
the murder was his alone. Yet the jury reached a decision that continues to
For theatre lovers who appreciate intimate spaces, strong performances
and stories that linger long after the curtain call, Entertaining Murder offers a
gripping night out in one of London’s most charming fringe theatres.
Performances run Tuesday to Saturday at 7.30pm, with Sunday matinees at
4pm. Tickets are £25 (£23 concessions).
provoke debate over a century later. Entertaining Murder dives headfirst into
that ambiguity, blending courtroom drama with original songs and a stylish
Entertaining Murder
1920s aesthetic.
23 April – 10 May
Following sell-out public readings in 2024, this 2026 staging promises new
Upstairs at the Gatehouse
songs, a bold retro design and a fully realised production. Daisy Snelson stars
Highgate Village, London N6 4BD
as Edith Thompson, joined by Sue Kelvin, with further casting to be announced.
www.upstairsatthegatehouse.com
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