Bury The Hatchet – Southwark Playhouse, Borough

Writer:  Sasha Wilson
Director: Vicky Moran

Reviewer: Christine Stanton

“Exceptionally Executed”

5 / 5

The murder of Lizzie Borden’s father and stepmother has been a well-known ‘whodunnit’ since 1892. Still one of the most famous cold cases in history, we’ll unfortunately never know the truth – but it doesn’t stop speculation as to what really happened that fateful evening.

Fall River, Massachusetts is where the crime took place, both victims murdered in their home, with no signs of forced entry. Lizzie Borden became the prime suspect but was ultimately found not guilty due to lack of evidence, inadmissible testimony and the assumption that a wealthy, prim and proper female couldn’t commit such a heinous crime. Were the jury correct in acquitting her or did Lizzie manage to get away with a rageful act of violence?

Sasha Wilson’s fascinating show is a packed blend of varying styles – folk gig, historical re-enactment, courtroom drama, thoughtful conversation and meta moments of how to stage the production. If it sounds like Out Of The Forest Theatre have crammed a lot into a 70 minute runtime – they absolutely have, and in less capable hands, it could be messy and bloated, but this has been meticulously constructed in every single aspect to create an incredibly captivating show. Wilson and Vicky Moran ensure that the varying styles complement, rather than clash with each other, the seamless transitions from jokey banter to chilling facts keep the audience on a rollercoaster, expertly drawing you in with well paced suspense, then throwing you straight back out of the intensity with a humorous quip or gentle folk song. It’s brilliantly crafted and relies on the three performers to ensure that everything runs smoothly – and thankfully they’re equally fantastic!

Wilson is the main narrator, weaving the audience through the story and each possible avenue of what could have happened, drawing on research and verbatim transcripts to give the story an educational, informative element. She is a masterful storyteller and has the audience hooked on every word. David Leopold and Lawrence Boothman are integrated perfectly, playing not only a variety of characters during the re-enactments, but also debating the varying accusations and theories that surrounded Borden’s trial. This is done with humour, timed very well, but also authenticity – the discussions feel genuine and natural, mirroring what the audience are thinking as the evidence is presented. The snippets of folk songs sprinkled throughout are enchanting – performed brilliantly by the three, and add another uniquely creative layer to the already cleverly constructed show.

Damien Stanton’s set design is simple, but effective – varying props with evidence tags hanging off them, each of them being utilised at various points, most notably the infamous hatchet. Helen Stewart’s costumes are also attention grabbing – Wilson’s gloriously gothic dress fits the theme perfectly, while smaller items such as the stepmother or sister’s hats ensure that the cast can quickly transform into a new character, without losing valuable stage time, and keeping the rapid pace of the show going. Will Alder’s lighting is wonderfully atmospheric, with blackouts used with optimum timing to lean to the shock moments of the show perfectly.

Bury The Hatchet is an impeccable show with a fabulous cast that hooks the audience from the very beginning. Far from a hatchet job, it is exceptionally executed – and, dare we say, probably investigates the crime better than the detectives themselves did back in 1892!

Runs until 5th September 2026