This is an immersive theatrical Burns experience like no other. Given unprecedented access to Burns’s private letters, we explore the man behind the legend in all his brilliance and contradictions.

Through a captivating blend of his letters, poems and live music – masterfully brought to life from the archives by Scottish performer James Clements and musician Lisa Rigby – this play invites audiences to experience Burns unfiltered, laying bare a complicated and contradictory icon.

Set around an ‘immaculately designed’ dinner table, the play brings audiences into close proximity to the man himself, as the set comes alive with hidden voices, music and secrets – titillating, shameful and surprising in equal measure.

Co-created with the National Trust for Scotland and multi-award-winning Fringe director Cora Bissett (June Carter Cash: The Woman, Her Music and Me and What Girls Are Made Of), the production enjoyed a sold-out run at the Edinburgh Fringe, earning ★★★★ reviews from The Guardian and The Scotsman, and it was named one of The Herald’s Top 10 shows of the festival.

The performance features strong language/swearing. This piece includes direct and indirect discussion of gender, race, sexual situations and enslaved people. No latecomers will be permitted after a certain point, and readmission will not be possible.

Frequently asked questions

Will there be food at the performance?
No, and we kindly request that you do not bring food or drink into the performance area.

Are dogs allowed?
No, please leave your canine companions at home.

Is there parking?
Yes. There is a £5 parking charge. Members enjoy free parking. If you are interested in becoming a member, please speak to one of our team or head to our Join page.

Please be aware that ticket prices do not include Eventbrite fees, which will be added during checkout.

The National Trust for Scotland, as a data controller, is committed to protecting your personal data. We will process your personal data for the purposes of booking your place at the event and communicating with you regarding it. Following the event, we will also contact you to ask for your feedback. If you do not want us to contact you for feedback you can let us know by emailing the property directly or replying to any feedback communications we send. For further information about how we process personal data, please see nts.org.uk/privacy