Badgers Review: True-Crime Podcast Play at Edinburgh Festival 2026

The Badgers review at the Edinburgh Festival explores a true-crime podcast play that blurs the line between storytelling and reality. Malaika Kegode's production, staged at the Traverse Theatre, invites the audience to become the investigator in a haunting tale of a missing folk singer and a possible supernatural transformation.

Unpacking the Story: A Folk Singer's Disappearance

Kegode's narrative centers on Ben, a maudlin folk singer who vanished in 2015. The play suggests he may have been cursed by his landlady, Bridget Brock, after stealing her song, and turned into a badger. This gothic fairytale is framed as a podcast interview conducted by Meles Costas, an under-qualified true-crime enthusiast living in the shadow of her terminally ill mother.

The Audience as Detective

Cleverly, the audience is cast in the role of Meles, whose name is Latin for badger. This immersive technique draws us into the investigation, making us question what we believe. The play's title, Badgers, thus becomes a metaphor for digging into hidden truths.

Production and Performances

Kegode leads with charm and precision, sporting a badger-stripe hairdo. Jenny Davies's direction creates haunting corners on stage, while the live score by Jakabol, performed by Beth Roberts and Joe Williams from a sound booth, adds texture and tension. The production is polished and atmospheric, perfect for a dark and stormy night.

Ethical Questions in True Crime

While the play is engaging, it raises important ethical questions about the true-crime genre. Are we complicit in exploiting tragedy for entertainment? Kegode touches on this but doesn't fully commit to a deeper critique, leaving the audience to ponder the purpose of such stories.

Comparison: Badgers vs. Typical True-Crime Podcasts

Key Takeaways from the Badgers Review

• Immersive storytelling that places the audience at the center of the investigation.
• Gothic fairytale elements blend with modern true-crime tropes.
• Strong performances and a haunting live score enhance the atmosphere.
• Ethical questions about true crime are raised but not fully answered.
• Limited urgency unless you're deeply concerned about the ethics of the genre.

Why See Badgers at the Edinburgh Festival?

If you're a fan of innovative theatre that challenges conventional narrative forms, Badgers is a must-see. It's a well-crafted piece that entertains while subtly provoking thought. However, if you're looking for a hard-hitting ethical exposé, you might leave wanting more.

Performance Details

The show runs at the Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh, until 30 August, then moves to Theatre Royal Plymouth (2–5 September) and Bristol Old Vic (8–12 September). Check local listings for tickets.

FAQ

In conclusion, Badgers is a beautifully told story that may not break new ground ethically but offers a compelling night at the theatre. For those interested in the intersection of true crime and fiction, it's a worthwhile addition to your Edinburgh Festival itinerary.

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