Review: A Gambler's Guide to Dying by Gary McNair | Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2025
- Lisa in the theatre
- Aug 2
- 3 min read
Gary McNair’s beloved solo fable A Gambler’s Guide to Dying returns to the Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh ten years on from its sell-out, award-winning debut.
Written and performed by Gary, and directed by Traverse Artistic Director Gareth Nicholls, A Gambler's Guide to Dying plays at the Traverse Theatre from 1 - 24 August as part of Travfest25, at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
A Gambler’s Guide to Dying ★★★★★
review: 01 August 2025 | Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh
A Gambler's Guide to Dying is the story of one boy's grandad who won big, betting on the 1966 football world cup. And then, when diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, he gambles it all on out-living the doctor's prognosis.
Performed by the phenomenal Gary McNair, this is a 70 minute, one-man play so full of warmth and authenticity, I didn't want it to end. Rich with exquisite dialogue, familiar family tensions, and sharp Scottish humour, A Gambler's Guide to Dying is fringe theatre at its very best.
Gary McNair is a gifted, natural storyteller: charismatic, energetic, brilliant. He recounts this story of his heroic Gorbals Granda with such spellbinding flair, the audience were hanging on his every word. Expertly directed by Traverse Artistic Director Gareth Nicholls, McNair works all sides of the Traverse 2 theatre taking us with him on a deeply personal journey that spans from 1966 to the millenium.
Was his grandad exceptionally lucky? Or were his tales perhaps a little taller than they first seem? How can an ordinary man be so extraordinary that journalists were clambering to tell his story? And crucially, how do we choose to remember the lives of those we love most.
Heartfelt and funny but with plenty of drama, A Gambler's Guide to Dying is a masterclass in storytelling. So well structured, gripping, tender - it's a poignant tribute to a man who chose to bet on life.
What a joy this production is.
A Gambler's Guide to Dying has toured the world since its premiere at the Traverse Theatre in 2015. Now back home to mark its 10th anniversary, don't miss it in Edinburgh this August. ★★★★★
A Gambler's Guide to Dying plays at the Traverse Theatre from 1st - 24th August 2025. Full detail below.
A Gambler’s Guide to Dying, Edinburgh 2025 dates:
A Gambler’s Guide to Dying
A Traverse Theatre Company production
Written and performed by Gary McNair, directed by Gareth Nicholls
Traverse 2, Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh
1 - 24 August (not 4, 11 or 18) (various times)
Gareth Nicholls, Artistic Director of Traverse Theatre and Director of A Gambler’s Guide to Dying, said:
"In challenging times, more than ever, we need to hear new stories. And as Scotland’s engine room of new writing, working year-round to support and develop fresh voices alongside our partners and co-producers, the Traverse feels more energised and vital than ever in giving platform to artists here on our Edinburgh stages as well as across the world.
“Alongside championing unseen premieres the Traverse also plays a vital role in giving space to contemporary plays and writers which have made a huge impact on writing in Scotland, and there is barely a conversation goes by without someone reflecting forlornly that they did not see A Gambler’s Guide to Dying when it was originally produced in 2015.
“One of my favourite works, and a joy of a collaboration with Gary McNair, I am delighted that this story of hope, family and what we value in life is returning to its spiritual home to give audiences a chance to experience the play they’ve long heard about and that will, I’m sure, resonate more than ever.”
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