The Spy Network
The Spy Network is a show at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2026, performing at Greenside @ Riddles Court. It has 12 performances listed, running from Mon 17 Aug, 13:50 to Sat 29 Aug, 13:50. The run has finished — every listed performance has taken place.
About this show
On the morning of February 8, 1587, Mary, Queen of Scots enters the great hall where she'll soon be executed for treason. There she meets Barnaby Fulke, an enigmatic actor sent to provide merriment before the chop. With one last chance to set the record straight, Mary stages her story, revisiting the spies, secrets and betrayals that sealed her fate. Secret codes, espionage and treason propel this gripping three-hander through Scotland’s turbulent past. But history isn’t always written until the last act and in the life of Mary, there is still one final scene left to play.
Details
- Venue: Greenside @ Riddles Court
- Space: Thistle Theatre
- Genre: THEATRE, New writing, Historical
- Country: UNITED KINGDOM - ENGLAND
- Running time: 50 minutes
- Room size: about 70 seats (Thistle Theatre) — the Fringe box office sells a share of the room, not all of it
- Performances listed: 12, of which 0 still to come and on sale
Accessibility
- Access features: Accessible toilet
- Venue notes: Stairs: 2 - 5 Number of stairs is provided as guidance and is not in addition to any wheelchair access type (lift/ramp etc) stated above.
What the reviewers said
We have captured 6 published reviews and 11 audience reviews for this show from the Edinburgh Festival Fringe’s own listing. The excerpts below are the reviewers’ words, not ours — follow each link for the full review.
4.5 Stars While I found myself slightly confused in the first few minutes, I realised the absurd nature was part of its niche charm. Although not mainstream, Jacob’s Ladder was definitely for me.
Scottish history lesson meets spy thriller in this riveting reimagining of the moments before the execution of Mary Queen of Scots.
— The Student (4 out of 5 stars)
There is something particularly appropriate about seeing The Spy Network at Riddles Court. This atmospheric 16th-century building has its own connection to Mary Queen of Scots’s family: her son, James VI, held a banquet…
Performance dates and ticket availability
- Mon 17 Aug, 13:50 — Already performed — £15.00
- Tue 18 Aug, 13:50 — Already performed — £15.00
- Wed 19 Aug, 13:50 — Already performed — £15.00
- Thu 20 Aug, 13:50 — Already performed — £15.00
- Fri 21 Aug, 13:50 — Already performed — £15.00
- Sat 22 Aug, 13:50 — Already performed — £15.00
- Mon 24 Aug, 13:50 — Already performed — £15.00
- Tue 25 Aug, 13:50 — Already performed — £15.00
- Wed 26 Aug, 13:50 — Already performed — £15.00
- Thu 27 Aug, 13:50 — Already performed — £15.00
- Fri 28 Aug, 13:50 — Already performed — £15.00
- Sat 29 Aug, 13:50 — Already performed — £15.00