EDINBURGH 2026: Review: BURNING DOWN THE HORSE, Underbelly Bristo Square
Fishing 4 Chips' hit Trojan Horse comedy delivers non-stop laughs and gentle immersion at Underbelly Bristo Square.
For over three millennia, the story of the Trojan Horse has stood as history’s ultimate stealth operation: Greek soldiers hiding inside a giant wooden structure to breach the walls of Troy. In Fishing 4 Chips' hilarious retelling, written by Sean Wareing and Freddie Walker and directed by Maya Shimmin, that iconic belly becomes an interactive stage for pure, unadulterated chaos.
The moment you step inside the auditorium, you are no longer a passive observer: you are a soldier boarding the horse. Set within the wooden surroundings of Underbelly Bristo Square’s Friesian, a space that inadvertently doubles as the perfect claustrophobic belly of the beast, the show establishes its playful tone early. A drink-soaked Echion instantly engages the room, wandering through the crowd and begging for snacks to set the energetic mood.
The writing relies on a high gag rate that cleverly weaponizes mythological lore. Quick-fire puns swap standard exclamations for an urgent "Oh my Gods," while sharp historical excuses explain why key heroes couldn't make the mission, whether it’s Achilles nursing his heel or Oedipus missing the boat because it’s Mother’s Day. Packed with hilarious punches spanning mythology, theatre, and musical references throughout the show, it gets you hooked right away.
The versatile ensemble works seamlessly together, bouncing off one another and assigning tactical tasks to lucky audience "soldiers" who get an active role in steering the rebellion, without ever putting anyone uncomfortably on the spot.
Tightly structured, deeply charming, and spurring non-stop laughter, Burning Down the Horse is a joyful hour of Fringe comedy that proves gentle immersion can be utterly irresistible for kids and adults alike.
Burning Down the Horse plays at Underbelly Bristo Square (Friesian) until August 30.
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