EDFRINGE REVIEW: The Secret Room at Lauriston Castle (Edinburgh International Magic Festival)

 The Secret Room at Lauriston Castle - ★★★★☆ - Slick

Lauriston Castle (Venue 436): Fri 7 – Sun 23 Aug 2026
Review by Rebecca Mahar.

Review commissioned by, and originally published on All Edinburgh Theatre, 15 August 2026. Edited by Thom Dibdin.

Lauriston Castle opens its doors to Fringe-goers in partnership with the Edinburgh International Magic Festival for The Secret Room at Lauriston Castle, an immersive magic experience featuring three expert illusionists.

Rather than a sit-down show, this promenade production begins outside the front door, with Tracy, Steward of the castle, giving a brief history of the building, its owners, and its connections to magic and wizardry. These go all the way back to the castle’s original owner and builder of its tower house, Archibald Napier, seventh Laird of Merchiston, who successfully predicted the date that Mary, Queen of Scots, would escape Lochleven Castle.

Drew McAdam in the drawing room. Pic: Edinburgh Magic Fest.

Visit All Edinburgh Theatre to read the full review!

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