This is the story of Andrew Carnegie one of Scotland greatest sons. The story tells the final moments of his life as he is confronted with his choices. Heaven or hell? A great musical, not to be missed.
Born in Dunfermline in 1835 he died the richest man in the world after selling his empire for $480 million. Through soaring songs and sharp drama we see the cost of his success. Back after its sell out run in 2016, this Musical written by Ian Hammond Brown is a must see for all Fringe goers and locals alike.
SHOW INFORMATION
Venue: Braw Venues @ Grand Lodge – Venue 7
Stage: Grand Hall
Dates: 7th-30th August
Ticket Price: £16 (£14)
Time: 19:00
Length: 2hr
As a young boy, I once asked my mother if I could have an expensive toy.
“Who do you think I am… Andrew Carnegie!?” she replied.
That response stayed with me for years. She told me he had once been the richest man in the world, but it was-n’t until I moved to Dunfermline, Carnegie’s birthplace, that I discovered so much more about this intriguing man.
Carnegie was the son of a poor weaver. In 1848, his family emigrated to America, where he began work as a bobbin boy before becoming a telegraph operator, a railroad superintendent and, through a series of shrewd investments and business deals, the owner of Carnegie Steel.
When he sold the company in 1901 for what would now be billions of dollars, he devoted the rest of his life to strategic philanthropy. His trusts and foundations continue to support education, science and world peace, ful-filling his ambition, in his own words, “to do real and permanent good in this world.”
To me, that sounded like a great story for a musical. And so began the journey that brings us here tonight. In 2013, with support from Creative Scotland, a week-long workshop with six actors culminated in a 50-minute reading at Edinburgh’s Festival Theatre. A year later, a concert version was staged at the Alhambra Theatre in Dunfermline, followed by a week-long run at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2016 and a performance at Carnegie Hall in Dunfermline in 2019 to mark the centenary of Carnegie’s death. Each production helped shape and refine the show.
Then, in early 2026, Derek Douglas of Braw Venues invited me to bring the musical back to the Fringe. It was an opportunity too good to miss, especially with the chance to stage it in the magnificent Grand Lodge in the heart of Edinburgh – a perfect setting.
In telling Carnegie’s story, I wanted to explore how someone from an impoverished background wrestles with the responsibility of immense wealth, the women who shaped his life, his relationships with colleagues and workers, and his lifelong search for peace and redemption. Set alongside John’s much shorter life as a steelwork-er, the story takes on a very different perspective.
There is certainly a fascinating story to tell. The challenge has been finding the best way to portray a man who became the richest person in the world, then gave it all away. While Carnegie’s remarkable legacy lives on through the good his foundations continue to do, it’s equally important to explore the determination, conflict and difficult decisions that made that legacy possible.
It has been a real privilege to work with such a talented and supportive company, both on and off stage, to bring this latest version of Carnegie to the Edinburgh Fringe. My sincere thanks go to Derek Douglas and Braw Venues for taking a chance on a new Scottish musical and giving us the opportunity to present it in such a special venue. We’ve tried to stay as true to history as possible, although a little artistic licence has inevitably been needed..
As the saying goes, “Musicals are not written, they’re re-written,” so I’m sure there are still more changes ahead.
For now, though, I hope you enjoy what we’ve created.
The journey continues…
Ian Hammond Brown
Book, Music and Lyrics
Cast and Creative Team Bios
Luis Garrow
Luis is a graduate of Queen Margaret University’s Acting and Performance course and has recently appeared in productions including The Polar Express and You Choose. Twelve years ago, Luis played the younger version of Carnegie in a previous production, making this return to the role espe-cially meaningful. He is honoured and excited to bring this remarkable historical figure to life once again and hopes you enjoy the show.
Jude Vandecasteele
Carnegie represents Jude’s Edinburgh Fringe debut, after 15 years performing in amateur musical theatre in Fife and Dundee. She has played a variety of roles (admittedly mainly in the “formidable woman” category) such as Gladys in Copacabana, Widow Corney in Oliver, Dolly in Hello, Dolly!, Grandma in The Wedding Singer and most recently housekeeper Mrs Pearce in Cupar Amateur Musical Society’s My Fair Lady, her first time on-stage with Carnegie’s writer Ian, who played Professor Higgins. A solicitor by day, Jude has only managed to juggle work and rehearsing thanks to the incredible support of her colleagues, family and other half!
Elizabeth Dyce
Beth is currently part of Edinburgh Napier’s Acting and English course and has been doing theatre since 2012. In 2024 she finished her LAMDA musi-cal theatre grade 8 and her LAMDA Shakespeare level 2 both with distinc-tion. Some of her favourite roles have included, Miss Hannigan in Annie, Chris Hargensen in Carrie and Maria Rainer in The Sound of Music. Beth has been a part of Starlight Musical Theatre at Eden Court and Napier’s Musical Theatre Society as well as some other smaller groups. This is Beth’s first year performing at the Fringe and she is excited to be a part of the 2026 Carnegie cast.
Daniel Medina
From Miami sunshine to Edinburgh stage lights, Daniel travelled to Scotland to complete his Master’s in Acting at Napier University. Now in his final term, he is conquering the Fringe by pulling double duty in two radically different productions. Catch him tackling musical history in Carnegie: The Star-Spangled Scotchman, or witness his range in To My Friends of Madness, a bilingual, satirical one-man show targeting mental health care culture. A versatile powerhouse, Daniel’s US credits span Shakespearean tragedies like Macbeth to classic Rodgers and Hammerstein musicals. This Puerto Rican actor is primed for a breakout Fringe season – don’t miss him.
Ronnie Honey
Ronnie is delighted to be appearing as Peterson in Carnegie. Having performed in musical theatre for almost 20 years, he has enjoyed taking on a wide range of memorable roles. Among his favourites are the charismatic Sky Masterson in Guys and Dolls and the hilariously villainous Frank Hart in 9 to 5. Alongside his stage work, Ronnie has also appeared on screen with roles in Outlander and The Bombing of Pan Am 103. He is thrilled to be part of Carnegie and looks forward to bringing Peterson to life for audiences.
Lauren Honey
Lauren is delighted to be taking to the stage as Mary in Carnegie. Having performed in musical theatre for almost 15 years, she has been fortunate to play a wide variety of roles. Some of her favourites include the outspoken Clare in Made in Dagenham and the vibrant Doralee in 9 to 5, characters who couldn’t be more different from the gentle and understated Mary. Away from the stage, Lauren works as a primary school teacher, but performing remains one of her greatest passions. She is thrilled to be part of this production and hopes you enjoy the show.
Cameron Mclaren
Cameron only started performing in musical theatre two years ago – and here he is making his Fringe debut. His first show was Sister Act, followed by My Fair Lady, both with Cupar Amateur Musical Society. A farmer by trade, Cammy from CAMS is enjoying the challenge of swapping the arable fields of Fife for the steelworks of Pittsburgh!
David Ellis
David is now a four-time Carnegie veteran, so really has no excuse for not knowing his spoken and sung words – apart from his age. He is privileged that Mr Brown has stuck with him over the last twelve years and relieved that there isn’t the same amount of choreography as in 2016. David has had other previous Fringe experience – with Theatre Alba – and is delighted to be back treading the boards. He too is a solicitor and would like to thank those clients who he has browbeaten into attending for their presence in the audience.
Imogen Cross
Imogen is currently an Acting and English student at Edinburgh Napier Universi-ty. She has achieved a bronze LAMDA award for performance (solo) with a dis-tinction in 2024. She has taken part in theatre since 2018. She was part of Shine Youth Music Theatre from 2018-2021 who she completed two shows with. She then moved to iNTER performing arts academy from 2021-2024 where she took part in 3 shows. She most recently played Sue Snell in Napier Musical Theatre Society’s production of Carrie. This is Imogen’s first year taking part in the Fringe Festival.
Layla Rozelle
Layla is currently studying theology and hopes to pursue theatre after com-pleting her studies. Last summer, she appeared in F-Bomb Theatre’s production of Monumental, playing Bessie Watson. Having discovered more about Andrew Carnegie during the rehearsal process, Layla is delighted to be part of a production that explores the life of such an influential Scottish figure. She would like to thank the cast and production team for their hard work, warmth and encouragement, and for making her feel so welcome.
Derek Douglas – Director
Derek oversees all aspects of production. With more than 40 years of experience at the Edinburgh Fringe and running venues, he brings a wealth of knowledge, insight, and passion to the role.
He travels extensively to discover and connect with new acts, curating a diverse programme for Braw Venues and leads all in-house productions, from concept to stage.
Derek is a firm believer in fostering a supportive and collaborative environment, with a strong ethos that great theatre is built around its people.
Alan Gibson – Musical Director
Alan is a freelance musical director, répétiteur and musician who works extensively with musical theatre companies throughout Fife and further afield. He was previously involved in education, having been resident musical director on the theatre arts courses at Fife College for 16 years and was also involved in many projects with Youth Music Theatre Scotland.
Recently, he has worked with Spotlight for professional audition workshops in Glasgow, Songs Across Time with the Festival Theatre, Edinburgh, and was cover musical director for Crossroads Pantomimes covering the north of the UK.
Lesley Edgar
Lesley has been involved with musical theatre groups, on the technical side, since 1993. This continued through many children’s and adult shows until 2020 when Covid forced many groups to close.
She was delighted when Ian asked her to help with this production of Carne-gie, especially as she’d helped on his first musical on the Fringe in 1994.
Lesley enjoys meeting friends and walking her dogs, while waiting for her husband to retire!
Caitlin O’Hara
Caitlin is originally from Canada but now lives in Edinburgh where she runs her own virtual assistant business — and enjoys regular trips to the theatre.
She’s previously worked at Summerhall and is excited to join the Carnegie crew this Fringe.
Ian Hammond Brown
Ian Hammond Brown is a composer, lyricist, writer and performer. His musicals include Cavallo; Dori-an Gray – The Musical and, with Book writer Su-zanne Lofthus, Blude Red, Fling! (a finalist in BBC2’s MacMusical) and Eleven, for all of which he wrote the music and lyrics. He also wrote the music and lyrics for Whisky Galore – A Musical!, with Book writer Shona McKee McNeil, and Book, Music and Lyrics for It’s All About Love and Carnegie.
In 1999 he completed a Diploma in Music through the Open University.
Other work includes writing music and lyrics for How To Create An Avatar, commissioned by Scottish Youth Theatre, and composed music for productions in-cluding A Midsummer Night’s Dream and The Caucasian Chalk Circle. He is cur-rently developing the new musical comedy Hymn Idol with Ken MacPhee.
Whisky Galore – A Musical! premiered at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2006 with the full length version produced at Pitlochry Festival Theatre in 2009, then in 2013. It is published by Stagescripts and has since been performed by amateur companies throughout the UK.
Away from the stage, Ian recently wrote his first children’s book, McShoogle an’ the Woogles in Save the Haggis!, with illustrator Julie Diver. He also wrote the songs Help a Child Belong for Foster in Fife’s fostering campaign and Everywhere We Go in support of the Tartan Army Sunshine Appeal’s fundraising throughout the recent World Cup.
As an actor and singer, Ian has appeared in many productions including The Magic Flute, Clarinda, Crusade and The Greatest Gift of All, as well as the BBC’s FutureWorld exhibition. His television work includes Take the High Road and Taggart. He is delighted to be reprising the role of Henry Clay Frick, along with several other characters, in tonight’s production.
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