Name: The Fairie Wife of the Cowgate
Start: 2025-12-13T19:00:00+00:00
End: 2025-12-13T20:00:00+00:00
Location: The Sir Arthur Conan Doyle Centre

Janet Bowman is accused of being a witch during persecution times. Her confession constitutes the oldest record of Scottish Folk Belief.
About this Event

This is a play of Faeries, Magic and History.

During the 16th century, Janet Bowman avoided a witch-hunt after she was accused of sorcery and associating with the Faeries. She was a very well-known healer in Edinburgh, known as the Faerie Wife of the Cowgate, where she lived.

The Scottish Witchcraft Act of 1563 forbade any sort of magical practice in Scotland. The Scribe, a member of the Kirk, has persistently tried to catch her and get her to confess her crimes.

The story of her confession sheds light on what the Scottish Folk Beliefs were like before the persecution, and how people related to the Seelies, Fae, the Good Neighbours... otherwise known as the Faeries.

The play includes an interactive water ritual by the end, original live songs and a well-researched background.

Performed by Rag Curtain Productions & written by Ryan McGregor
Event Photos

Review of the play:

Everything about this production was wonderful. I really had no idea what to expect, and my introduction to the fabulous setting of the Arthur Conan Doyle Centre proved to provide the perfect backdrop for the piece. However, the story became the focus as I was swiftly transported to a 16th century Pr*son. The narration and scene setting was perfectly done, the cast effortlessly delivered performances which was really engaging, allowing us to view clearly a dark scene from our Scottish history. Based on factual research, we are told that events that unfold before us, were sadly played out so many times in reality. And we’re given insight into the social setting for such cases. No scenery, minimum props, simple and effective costumes (with one notable exception!), a delicate song – all of these allow the tale to shine through. This was an unexpected treat – beautifully delivered. I hope the play goes on to reach a wider audience. I’m writing three hours after the end of the play, but I am sure the experience will remain fresh as the story reverberates in my thoughts and the intimate performance I witnessed, will stay with me.