John Muggleton

Playwright

Hamilton Players Guild, 2024

Sterndale Bennett Theatre

Lethbridge, Alberta

February 3 - 7, 2026

Mercury Players
Duncan, B.C.
November 21, 22, 23, 28, 29, 30

December 4, 5, 7 2025

​​
Seaway Valley Theatre

Cornwall, Ontario
April 25, 26, May 2, 3, 9, and 10,

2025 at 7:30 PM
April 27, May 4, and 11, 2025 at 2:00 PM

Russell Association of the Performing Arts
Russell, Ontario

Fall 2024

The Guild Theatre

Hamllton, Ontario

May 31, June 1, 6, 7, 13, 14, and 15, 2024 at 8pm
June 2, 8, 9, and 15, 2024 at 2pm

​​​The Story House

Performance Art Theatre

Niceville, Florida

October 13-15, 19-21 2023

Toowoomba Rep Theatre

East Toowoomba, Australia

May 3 - 13, 2023

Academy Theatre

EODL Theatre Festival

Lindsay, Ontario

Nov 3, 2022

Edinburgh Fringe Festival

​(Festival version)
Scotland, UK
August 2022

Centre Wakefield la Peche
Wakefield, Quebec
July 2022

Ottawa Little Theatre
Ottawa, Ontario
May 4 - 22, 2022

Pasadena Little Theatre
Houston, Texas
Oct. 15 - 31, 2021

Breakaleg Productions
Barnsley, Yorkshire, UK
March, 2022

South Simcoe Theatre
Simcoe, Ontario
March 5th - 22nd, 2022​

Vagabond Theatre
Cornwall, Ontario
April 2020 (postponed)

Curtain Club Theatre
Richmond Hill, Ontario
Jan/Feb 2020

Sawmill Playhouse
Dartmouth, N.S.
February 2019

Tsawwassen Arts Centre
Vancouver, B.C.
September 2018

The Gladstone
Ottawa, Ontario
August 17 - 26, 2017

The Avalon Studio
Ottawa, Ontario
August 2016
Nov/Dec 2016​

​

Burn 

Psychological Thriller by John Muggleton

Full length play
110 minutes
4 characters (2 m, 2 f)
2 minor characters in voice over


Burn is a highly-rated, award-winning and nominated psychological thriller/ghost story that has been widely produced across Canada and internationally. Reviews consistently praise its gripping plot, clever twists, and ability to keep audiences on the edge of their seats. 

Key Themes and Reception

Suspense and Mystery: The play is lauded for its "masterfully crafted, slick, psychological thriller" elements and its ability to build significant tension. Audiences appreciate the "whodunnit" nature and the guessing game that continues until the final twist.

Plot Twists: Multiple reviews highlight the "well-timed revelations and... superb final twist" as a major strength of the play. The circuitous plot is designed to challenge the audience's assumptions.

Genre Blending: Critics observe that Burn successfully combines elements of a contemporary thriller, a classic ensemble mystery, and a ghost story, making it a unique and entertaining piece of theatre.

Synopsis
The story follows three old friends—Robert, Samira, and David—who reunite after the death of their fourth friend, Paul, a famed horror writer. Robert's wife, also a novelist, disappeared five years prior, a mystery that still haunts him. They are met by Eve, Paul's estranged daughter, whom they have never met. What begins as a warm reunion quickly devolves as Eve starts to reveal unsettling, private details about their pasts, leading to chaos and the unveiling of cold secrets. 

Overall, reviews indicate that Burn is a compelling, entertaining, and highly recommended piece of theatre for anyone who enjoys a good mystery or psychological thriller. 
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Ottawa Little Theatre, 2022

From the Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2022​

Helen Schofield
Wow! This was my first fringe show this year and what a great beginning. Tightly written and expertly performed, we were completely engrossed and involved. Well done guys, should be a must see for everyone!

Carolyn Corlett
So good I saw it twice!
Even though Burn is only an hour long, the talented cast and clever writing quickly draw the audience into this thriller to experience the unfolding events alongside the 4 characters. Superbly directed in the round by Venetia Lawless, the hour whizzes by and John Muggleton's script leaves just enough open ended questions to ensure a good discussion in the bar after! 
Make sure you don't miss this one and book soon as tickets are selling fast!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Adrienne Brown
Great story, brilliantly acted . I loved this show.

Maureen Walsh
Excellent script, brilliant performances. On the edge of my seat. Go see Burn

Iain Broadway
Very enjoyable Whodunnit type of show. Definitely not a disappointment.

Rowan
Really fun ghost story. Venue gets you up close and personal with the cast. Totally recommend this for a fun, afternoon show!

Rebecca Curry
Extremely clever writing and a slick performance. Definitely one to see. Thanks

Jamie Walsh
Brilliant performances, excellent script. The show kept me on the edge of my seat. Highly recommended.

Katie Munden
So good! Well written story that keeps you guessing right till the end!! It’s both a murder mystery and ghost story, with some great jokes along the way. All the actors were amazing and we especially loved Eve. Highly recommend!!

Jonathan Brough
Brilliant play, full of suspense and very well performed. One of the best things I’ve seen at the Fringe.

Taylor Jamison
Set on a thrust stage, this play becomes very intimate and the audience is granted the experience of being in the scene. Many twists and turns with an ending that will leave you wanting more!

Brian
The room fizzes with palpable discomfort, which is overtaken by guilt and anger, before a superb final twist. Excellent stuff.