Famous People You've Never Heard Of

Our podcasts are a mix of conversations with a wide range of subject matter experts and enthusiasts, interspersed with the occasional audio drama. Each episode focuses on one person, a group of people or a genre from the world of entertainment that we wish to bring back to the spotlight and who has been lost to history or is in danger of being so.The Arts industries are currently in peril but this is nothing new. The Entertainment industry in all its guises has seen it all before. Political turmoil, plague, poverty, overnight success, sudden failure and the long term closure of theatres are not unique to the 21st century.We are not academics (although luckily some of our prestigious guests are) so don't expect forensic analysis or ground breaking research in every episode. We are entertainers, passionate about our craft, its heritage and its future. And we want to share our enthusiasm with you!

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Famous People You've Never Heard Of

Bloody Mary's

June 10, 2026 • Blue Fire Theatre Company • Season 6 • Episode 50

0:00 | 20:17

Mary McKinnon was a businesswoman in the 19th century. Her business was a brothel and bar. One fateful day trouble broke out and Mary's demise was swift and merciless.

Her story is an excellent illustration of how the law at the time - and society in general was heavily biased against women and the working class.

Fat Pooch Productions are presenting a brand new play about Mary at this year's Edinburgh Festival Fringe. In this episode they tell us a little about Mary and a little about the play and how they've created it.

For further reading about Edinburgh in Mary's time we recommend:
"The Town Below Ground", by Jan-Andrew Henderson

Guests: Julie Gonzalez-Franco & Jade L Hutchison

Follow Fat Pooch on social media:

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Host: Lottie Walker

Editor: Gordon Vowles

Music: Courtesy Pond5

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