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 Jessica Welsh, book and lyrics writer of Music & Murder...
What can you tell me about your show?
It’s a black comedy about the creative process. There are devious characters, catchy music and also a Mexican standoff.
How would you describe the style of your show to anyone who has never seen you before?
A mash-up of Tick Tick Boom, Merrily We Roll Along, Sunset Boulevard and Death Trap. It’s a spin on a classic whodunit with the emotional power of a small-cast musical.
What was the lightbulb moment that led to the creation of this piece?
When we realized we could set the show in one location (an isolated cabin) to get the most out of our story and characters.
When we realized we could set the show in one location (an isolated cabin) to get the most out of our story and characters.
What makes 2026 the perfect year for this specific story or performance?
We hope audiences are as excited as we are about original new musicals with a strong hook like Maybe Happy Ending and Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York) - we want more of them!
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?
Freshly baked pumpkin muffins (see the show to find out why).
Freshly baked pumpkin muffins (see the show to find out why).
What is the one item in your Fringe Survival Kit that you can’t live without at the Fringe?
Everything in our character Mimi’s bra - hand sanitizer, fans, sunglasses, whatever else she stores in there.
Everything in our character Mimi’s bra - hand sanitizer, fans, sunglasses, whatever else she stores in there.
What would you deem as success at the end of the Fringe?
If the audience walks out of the theatre with the songs stuck in their head.
If the audience walks out of the theatre with the songs stuck in their head.
Other than your own show, are there any other shows you would recommend at the Fringe this year?
Trunk Songs and Real Kyle McCarren - tremendous musicals by BMI friends.
Trunk Songs and Real Kyle McCarren - tremendous musicals by BMI friends.
What is one Edinburgh spot that you would recommend people to visit when they're not watching performances?
Hear good things about The Outsider from our cast member Liam, who lived in Edinburgh for 10 years.
Hear good things about The Outsider from our cast member Liam, who lived in Edinburgh for 10 years.
Can you describe the show in 5 words?
Thrilling. Twisty. Campy. Mischievous. Mayhem.
Thrilling. Twisty. Campy. Mischievous. Mayhem.
What keeps you inspired?
Watching the incredible cast and crew bring the pages of this show to life and elevate it beyond anything we imagined.
What would you hope someone takes away from seeing the show?
Having laughed, been moved and gone on a journey they didn’t see coming.
Having laughed, been moved and gone on a journey they didn’t see coming.
When and where can people see the show?
TheSpace Symposium Annexe Aug 7-15 at 21:30, and hopefully many stages to come.
TheSpace Symposium Annexe Aug 7-15 at 21:30, and hopefully many stages to come.
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