9th May 2026 saw a performance at Capital Theatre’s Studio venue of a musical commemorating an event that took place 115 years ago to the day at the Empire Palace Theatre, now better known as Festival Theatre Edinburgh.
Currently a work in progress, Lafayette: A New Musical is inspired by the celebrated illusionist Sigmund Neuberger, whose stage name was The Great Lafayette and who died in a fire on stage. The fateful event took place while Neuberger was performing one of his illusions known as The Lion’s Bride during which the set went on fire after which a set of unfortunate circumstances led to the death of the artist, the animals involved and several other cast members.
Brought to the stage by Helen Milne Productions, whose aim is to “…challenge audiences … to experience the unexpected”, with support from Capital Theatres and Creative Scotland, Lafayette: A New Musical is directed by acclaimed playwright and co-founder of Clyde Unity Theatre, John Binnie who also brings his storytelling skills to the work. This blend of music and illusion comes thanks to the respective talents of Richard Ferguson, who provides the original score, and Fergus Dunnet who is known for the superb puppetry in the Scottish Tour of Hercules the Bear.
As magicians are wont to say, ‘Now you see it. Now you don’t.’ It is easy for once famous folk to become forgotten and although it is usually women who come into that particular category of erasure, in this case it is a once famous man whose legend happened to end in Edinburgh.
The Great Lafayette was buried, along with his recently deceased and much adored dog, Beauty, in Edinburgh’s Piershill Cemetery, adding another layer of local interest to this part of the Capital’s theatrical life.
The work in progress performance on Saturday 9th May offered an opportunity to gain insight into the makings of a new musical with a post-show Q&A giving audiences the chance to ask the cast and creatives questions about the production and the life and legacy of The Great Lafayette.
Watch out for this show coming to full fruition, when the song on everyone’s lips may well be Allons à Lafayette!
Age recommendation: 12+
Running time:60 mins with 40mins Q & A
Irene Brown
Radio Summerhall Arts 