Burke and Hare: Body Snatchers, Serial Killers, Ulstermen
Dark historian Andrew Johnston of Alternative Ulstours takes his 2025 Edinburgh Festival Fringe sell-out show on the road!
Scotland’s infamous grave robbers William Burke and William Hare weren’t Scottish – and they never robbed a grave. Born and raised in Ireland, the duo were arguably the first modern serial killers, predating Jack the Ripper by decades.
Andrew reveals the grim reality behind this misunderstood pair. Follow their journey from rural Ulster origins to the sinister Edinburgh slayings, when they provided unscrupulous anatomists with fresh corpses during the body snatching era.
The talk honours Burke and Hare’s forgotten victims, while exposing the fate of the murderers, their complicit wives and their nefarious paymaster, Dr Robert Knox.
Unearth the truth, as Andrew reclaims history’s grisliest ghouls for the north of Ireland in this informative and entertaining evening of horror and true crime!
Reviews from Edinburgh 2025:
“Andrew is a great narrator and delivers his show with passion, humour and tons of research. 5 stars” – Joan, audience member
“Best show so far at Edinburgh” – Phelim, audience member
“The performance was informative, entertaining and fascinating. Highly recommended” – John, audience member
“A really enjoyable show. Well researched, engaging and entertaining” – Kevin, audience member
“Andrew’s show was most enjoyable: thoroughly researched, equally macabre and entertaining” – Ivor, audience member
