Ham review – vegan take on Hamlet delivers meaty rebuke to carnivores 2026

Ham review: this vegan take on Hamlet delivers a meaty rebuke to carnivores, and it's a must-see at the Edinburgh Festival. The show, created by Mary Higgins and Ell Potter, reimagines Shakespeare's tragedy as a confrontational performance-activism piece that blends hooting comedy with world-ending dread. It's a bold, anarchic production that forces audiences to confront their own complicity in the meat industry's environmental impact.

What Makes Ham a Unique Theatrical Experience

Ham transposes Hamlet's existential questions onto the future survival of humanity, using the meat industry as a lens. Higgins plays a stubborn, sauntering prince seeking vengeance for a slaughtered pig, while Potter embodies both the ghost and Gertrude. The duo's chemistry is electric, with Potter's effusive love of food grounding the show in genuine personal dilemma rather than mere preaching.

The Performances: Higgins and Potter Shine

Higgins delivers a powerful, guilt-trippy performance as the vegan protagonist, while Potter's suave and silly portrayal of the ghost and Gertrude adds layers of humor and pathos. Their dynamic keeps the show from becoming purely haranguing, instead twirling it into a genuine exploration of choice and consequence.

The Environmental Message: A Call to Action

The show doesn't shy away from brutal imagery, including scarring visuals of animal slaughter and forest fires. Higgins explicitly states, "This isn't about the murders of animals, but the suicide of the human race." The final sequence, featuring footage of recent forest fires closing in on the UK, drives the point home with chilling immediacy.

Comparison: Traditional Hamlet vs. Ham

Key Takeaways from Ham

• Ham uses Shakespearean parody to make a serious environmental statement.
• The show balances humor with harrowing imagery to avoid preachiness.
• Higgins and Potter's performances are both hilarious and thought-provoking.
• The final forest fire footage serves as a stark reminder of our planetary crisis.

Why You Should See Ham

Ham is not just a theatre review; it's an experience that jolts you into looking anew at your own impact on the planet. The show's anarchic energy, from naked dancing to a dom/sub relationship with an audience member, keeps you on edge while delivering a powerful message. It's a must-see for anyone interested in climate activism, veganism, or innovative theatre.

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