Set in the early 1800’s, Edinburgh Days is the story of life in Edinburgh during Britain’s war with France, and focuses on life around the docks of Leith, and the shores of Portobello. Written by composer Brian Spence, he teamed up with Bob Tomson as a creative director, whom he has worked with previously, and Caroline Inglis (Director) who has worked on Edinburgh Days in a previous iteration and directed this version of the show.
The beginning of the show sets the scene at the White Hart Inn, where MacGregor (Laurence Aitkin) admits that he has lusted after Jean (Jaydean Cramb), his friend Robbie’s (Michael MacDuff) partner for a long time, but she has always rejected him and stayed true to Robbie, and their son Davie (Elodie Enoch-Thorburn [young Davie], Noah Young [older Davie]). We soon realise that MacGregor is a schemer, and is not happy to leave her alone, and his meddling results in Robbie going off to join the Navy, and he disappears off to sea leaving Jean and Davie alone. Without any means to support herself, and Robbie not returning home for an extended period, Jean must find ways to support herself and Davie, and they fall prey to MacGregor, who offers them shelter, but at a price!
This Celtic rock musical never loses pace, the music fits each scene perfectly, and is entertaining, you would certainly download it on Spotify (where it is available, by-the-way). The characters have been carefully crafted, MacGregor is the Iago of the production, outstandingly played by (Aitken), who is out for himself with no remorse, he uses women to make money for him as his prostitutes, and as we see during the show, they have no rights, and no way out. Mary (Debbie McKenna) cares for him for some reason, she is an older woman who still works for him, but her experience in dealing with men has toughened her, and she is the perfect companion for Jean, when she falls on hard times. The relationship between Jean and Mary is one of sisterhood, standing together against the men that use them and then discard them, this relationship is essential to the plot, as it helps Jean to bear what she must endure at the hands of MacGregor. And the musical is very much looking at this period from the male perspective. The women are treated dreadfully, but this is not really explored to full effect, Robbie runs away to sea without telling Jean that she is leaving, but does not discuss the reason with her, Mary loves a man who has treated her badly for years, but we never really understand her relationship with MacGregor. The characters are strong but not always used to full effect.
Jean’s son Davie ages throughout the play, and his experience with MacGregor is a happy one at first, but as he experiences the realities of life as he matures, he sees him for his true character, a mean and unhappy man, who takes out his unhappiness on others. There are some lovely moments between Robbie, Jean, Davie, Catriona (Orla Jones) and her father Dunoon (Dave Graham), as Dunoon realises that he nearly lost his daughter, and that there are things more important than pride.
Well done to director Caroline Inglis and her assistant director Suzy Enoch, for pulling this together, the costumes are spot on, and they change as the play develops, the set is versatile and easy to work with, and scene changes are quick and seamless. The lighting and sound assist the dramatic moments of the play but never feel that they overwhelm performances.
The whole ensemble can be very proud of what they have produced, their commitment to the show was easy to see, and they gave it their all.
The play is set in a similar period of the 1800’s as Les Misérables, and the struggles by the characters have a similar ring to them, but its roots are in Edinburgh and its history. I wonder if the popularity of Les Misérables led the writer to pen this show, we don’t know, but it is an enjoyable evening at the theatre.
The show runs until the 30th August (not 24th) 7.30pm (2hrs 15mins) at the Auditorium at St Bride’s Community Centre. To buy tickets go to – https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on?search=true&text=Edinburgh%20Days
Reviewer: Caroline Worswick
Reviewed: 19th August 2026
North West End UK / Theatre Muse UK Rating:
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