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Sasha Wilson’s Bury the Hatchet depicts the true story of the 1892 murders of Andrew and Abby Borden in Massachusetts, through hilarious narration and a folk soundtrack. The set, designed by Damien Stanton, consists of shelves with various props and a glitter hatchet hanging from the ceiling, immediately immersing the audience into the world of a murder case. The comedic tone, however, is unexpected, but the contrapuntal comedy and the eerie feel of the unsolved murder case make for the perfect show.
Bury the Hatchet cleverly takes the audience through the trial, while seamlessly embedding scenes of the events that did - or could have occurred surrounding the murder.
The cast, Sasha Wilson, Lawrence Boothman and David Leopold, work fantastically well together - almost finishing each other’s lines. They are hilarious throughout and constantly disrupt the story, breaking the fourth wall and tell the audience to remember specific moments or details. They even turn to each other and say “song?” before breaking into music at one point.
That is one of my favourite elements of this unique production, the acknowledgment of the fact that they are putting on a show.
The actors do well at effortlessly transitioning between themselves bickering or talking to the audience, and all of the characters they are portraying. They all take on at least three roles, using a single piece of costume or a prop to distinguish each character. Helen Stewart’s costume design helps the audience identify each character.
Lawrence Boothman is a standout for me. His expressions alone captivate the room and he is particularly funny throughout.
The musical element of the show is interesting, I enjoy the folk string intrumentation, though I don’t feel the singing is essential to the show. The actors aren’t necessarily the strongest singers, however the production is carried by their wit and could honestly be a play rather than a musical. The transitions from song to back to the story feel natural.
Another way the production transitions between scenes or elements of the show is through lighting by Will Alder. For example, the stage goes pitch black as Wilson lets out a shrill scream, effectively depicting the murder itself.
Bury the Hatchet is brilliantly funny, bringing comedy and music to the eerie nature of a murder mystery. The cast are fantastic - this is not one to miss!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Bury the Hatchet is playing at Southwark Playhouse Borough until 5th September 2026
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