In our ongoing Edinburgh Fringe 2026 interview series, we are speaking to artists and creatives who are bringing their shows to the Scottish capital this summer.
In this interview, we speak with Mike Hatchard about his show LUDWIG: Unfinished Business.
What can you tell me about your show?
It’s about Beethoven. Beethoven’s father told him he was three years younger than he was in order to make him a child prodigy. That genius could derive from such devious sleight-of-hand is a fact that alone merits a play.
It’s about Beethoven. Beethoven’s father told him he was three years younger than he was in order to make him a child prodigy. That genius could derive from such devious sleight-of-hand is a fact that alone merits a play.
How would you describe the style of your show to anyone who has never seen you before?
I play the piano. I act. A lot of people do one or the other but I’m fairly unusual in that I do both...
What was the lightbulb moment that led to the creation of this piece?
When Guy Masterson told me I looked like Beethoven.
When Guy Masterson told me I looked like Beethoven.
What makes 2026 the perfect year for this specific story or performance?
It’s a hundred and ninety nine years since Beethoven died. This is the last chance before it becomes old hat.
It’s a hundred and ninety nine years since Beethoven died. This is the last chance before it becomes old hat.
How will you mentally and physically prepare for a run at the Fringe?
I have the unofficial world record for singing upside down (19 minutes in public). I practise this everyday, I feel it helps me replicate Beethoven’s eccentricities. I also swim in the sea all year round, which helps me identify with Beethoven as he used to take a cold bath every morning to the chagrin of his various landlords.
If you couldn’t use a flyer to attract audiences, what ridiculous object would you hand out to people to get them into your show?
A bust of Beethoven carved out of soap.
A bust of Beethoven carved out of soap.
What is the one item in your Fringe Survival Kit that you can’t live without at the Fringe?
The ability to phone my wife.
The ability to phone my wife.
What would you deem as success at the end of the Fringe?
Not upsetting anyone with my rather extravagant hair. Some regard it as unseemly on a gentleman of my age.
Not upsetting anyone with my rather extravagant hair. Some regard it as unseemly on a gentleman of my age.
Other than your own show, are there any other shows you would recommend at the Fringe this year?
Yes, ‘11 and a half men’. It sounds like the average audience size.
What is one Edinburgh spot that you would recommend people to visit when they're not watching performances?
It has to be Arthur’s Seat. For years I thought it was a type of car. But it’s not.
It has to be Arthur’s Seat. For years I thought it was a type of car. But it’s not.
Can you describe the show in 5 words?
Beethoven, Beethoven, Beethoven, Beethoven!
Oh, sorry that’s only four...come back to me on this...
What keeps you inspired?
Rupert Bear. I found the 1963 Annual particularly wholesome although I was disappointed in some of the poetry; but Beethoven would have approved.
Rupert Bear. I found the 1963 Annual particularly wholesome although I was disappointed in some of the poetry; but Beethoven would have approved.
What would you hope someone takes away from seeing the show?
My piano. I accidentally over-insured it for twelve thousand pounds.
My piano. I accidentally over-insured it for twelve thousand pounds.
When and where can people see the show?
It’s at the Assembly Rooms every day of the Fringe at 12.35pm.
Tickets are available from https://assemblyfestival.com/whats-on/ludwig-unfinished-business
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