The Science of Guilt

Step into Victorian Edinburgh and Become the Jury.

Enter the historic Playfair building of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh and experience The Science of Guilt, an immersive promenade performance by award-winning playwright Raymond Friel. Inspired by real early Victorian cases, this gripping drama explores the rise of forensic medicine and specialist witnesses in Scotland.

In this fictional trial, you are no mere spectator, you are a juror. The fate of Jane Williams, accused of a shocking crime, rests in your hands. Meet the Crown Prosecutor, consult a learned medical expert, and hear the accused’s account. Piece together the evidence and decide: Guilty, Not Guilty, or Not Proven?

Step into history, weigh the evidence, and experience the chilling suspense of justice in Victorian Edinburgh.

Age 16+

Please note: This is a promenade performance and will involve some walking and periods of standing. Due to the historical nature of the building, not all routes are wheelchair accessible. If you have specific access requirements, please contact us at museum@rcsed.ac.uk, and our team will be happy to assist.

Content Warning: This performance explores themes of murder, violence and execution. Our collections contain human remains as well as representations of anatomy, injury, and disease that some may find upsetting.