Writer: Darragh Gilhooly
Director: Gwenaelle Gillet
It is fitting that the October evening is dark and misty as we walk the cobbled lanes and alleys of Dublin’s 17th century Temple Bar towards the New Theatre for Darragh Gilhooly’s gruesome new play The Anatomy of Burke and Hare.
The Naming Cows Production is based on the horrifying true story of two of Scotland’s most prolific serial killers, body-snatchers William Burke and William Hare.
The audience is transported back almost 200 years to gloomy Victorian Edinburgh in 1828. William Hare introduces himself to William Burke and we are introduced to them. Our hearts sink to learn that the notorious pair are, in fact, from “the old country”. They are Irish. Hare, played by Gilhooly, runs the lodging house in which he lives and Ruairi Leneghan as Burke is “most recently a cobbler”. The former is married and the latter resides with his common-law-wife.
In what will be emblematic of the quality of dramatic strategies utilised in this play, Leneghan simply turns with a raised arm and segues into his next character and scene. He is Dr Robert Knox, an anatomist, ethnologist and lecturer at his school in Surgeons Square, Edinburgh. Gilhooly is Michael Paterson, the nephew of Knox’s assistant, Des. He is being recruited to help secure cadavers for the anatomist. The one rule to which he must abide is “don’t ask questions”.
Throughout proceedings Gilhooly transitions seamlessly between three roles to include an Officer of the Law, and Leneghan likewise to include Des Paterson. Clever lighting techniques, including spotlighting, from Dara Keegan serve to differentiate between the changing characters and locations. This is all very successful for the most part. Including both Patersons, however, causes a measure of confusion. Applying artistic license and blending both individuals into one may be worth considering. Similarly, while referencing Knox’s colleague, Professor Munro, is historically accurate, it also feels superfluous in this context and he might be given the same treatment of omission.
Back at the lodging house, Hare is distraught that Donald, one of the tenants, has died leaving outstanding rent. Burke is invited to move in at reduced rates and he repays Hare with a suggestion that will solve his problem. They can sell the cadaver to the Medical School thereby getting rid of the corpse and, as a bonus, will earn enough money to cover the debt.
With the old Scottish and Irish folk song Will Ye Go, Lassie, Go playing in the background, the players’ expertly manipulate a plain white sheet to resemble a covered body. It is an impressive feat. Donald is then transported to the dissecting rooms of Dr Robert Knox in a tea chest. A reward of the princely sum of seven pounds and ten shillings lights a villainous fire in the bellies of the depraved duo. No other dead bodies happen to be lying about so Burke and Hare decide to manufacture their own merchandise and murder sixteen unfortunate souls consecutively within the year.
The theatrical craftsmanship on display tonight is outstanding. With just a tea chest, a cane, a sheet, a bottle of whisky and two glasses, Gilhooly and Leneghan weave a despicable tale of debauchery that mesmerises their audience. A tense and powerful scene where they smother a young man named Joe in a way that is “painless, markless and fast” has us on the edge of our seats. Their drunken movements to music in its aftermath, compliments of Jessie Morris-Toolen, are hilarious.
Go along to see Darragh Gilhooly’s The Anatomy of Burke and Hare to discover how these monsters are finally apprehended and brought to trial, with some surprising outcomes. You will delight in well written dialogue, a fast paced plot and the wonderful performances of two fine actors.
Runs Until 24th Oct 2025.
