Issy Cory
In August 1892, Lizzie Borden was accused and put on trial for the murder of her father and stepmother, but the question is: did she do it? Out Of The Forest Theatre are back to take us through the nitty gritty details of the murder, the trial, and Lizzie’s potential culpability.
Doubling up as a blues trio, our three players switch between the key figures in Lizzie’s life, and themselves, giving us an insight into how the facts of the case might resonate now, in 2025. As we leave, we vote on whether we think Lizzie was guilty, or not, and the conversation continues as to what really happened in Massachusetts all those years ago.
Out Of The Forest Theatre are captivating storytellers. Their relaying of this case keeps us thrillingly engaged throughout the hour, made all the better through the intimacy they create between the audience and themselves.
Their coming out of character is what truly sets this piece apart from other true crime productions. Each cast member is able to level with the audience at one point or another, allowing us to give into doubt, to question what is put to us, and to revel in what is being created onstage. I can only liken it to seeing how a magician performs their trick, it’s so exciting.
Our players have this amazing ability to revert back to their beautifully crafted characters in an instant, flinging us back into the heart of Lizzie’s story. With a simple addition of a hat, or an accent, different characters emerge, enabling this tiny but mighty ensemble to portray an entire community.
Every element of the production has been pulled together with an enormous amount of care and attention. The lighting complements the direction brilliantly, bringing about snappy changes in pace. As for blocking, the space is used excellently, constantly enveloping the audience in the action. The costume, the set, the props… I could go on.
Sasha Wilson’s script pulls each piece of Lizzie’s puzzle together in a way that always keeps us on our toes. Punctuating the main plotline with musical interludes allows for a funky respite from the dialogue, whilst the interweaving of verbatim excerpts with sassy interjections from the cast bring Bury The Hatchet into that gloriously timeless theatrical sphere.
Out Of The Forest Theatre play with our morality with devilish fun. We’re torn between thinking that Lizzie Borden is a cold-blooded killer, a badass murderess, or a falsely accused young woman. Above all, it’s just a bloody good show.
Recommended Drink: The official state drink of Massachusetts is cranberry juice. Add a slosh of vodka and we’re good to go.
Performances of Bury The Hatchet have now concluded at EdFringe 2025.
Jake Mace
Lamesha Ruddock
Jasmine Silk
