Ham review – vegan take on Hamlet delivers meaty rebuke to carnivores
Ham is a riotous Edinburgh festival parody of Hamlet that uses a murdered pig’s “ghost” to confront the environmental impact of meat consumption. The review finds it deliberately confrontational and occasionally preachy, but says its comedy and personal tension prevent it becoming a simple lecture, ending with a stark warning about climate-related fires.
Created and performed by vegan Mary Higgins and Ell Potter, who plays several roles including the pig’s ghost and Gertrude, the production reframes Hamlet’s questions around humanity’s survival. It combines Shakespearean jokes with naked dancing, a pet funeral, audience participation and disturbing animal-slaughter imagery; footage of fires moving from overseas to Arthur’s Seat gives its final message local urgency. Ham is at Summerhall, Edinburgh, until 30 August.
- A vegan Hamlet parody targets meat consumption’s climate impact.
- Comedy balances confrontational activism and disturbing imagery.
- The production runs at Summerhall until 30 August.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Supporters of the show’s argument would say intensive meat production has serious ethical and environmental costs, including animal suffering, deforestation, emissions and public-health risks linked to industrial farming. They may argue that satire is a legitimate way to unsettle familiar habits and encourage audiences to consider whether reducing meat consumption is necessary for a sustainable future.
The case against
Critics would say the claim that the meat industry poses an existential threat is overstated, and that responsible livestock farming can support livelihoods, food security and cultural traditions. They may argue that reforming welfare standards, cutting waste and improving farming practices is more realistic and fairer than treating all meat-eating as morally indefensible.