Words: Caitlin Finnerty

4 stars

Land Under Wave is a mesmerizing storytelling show that weaves a captivating narrative around three storytellers ensnared in the enigmatic Otherworld. As attendees, we are invited to partake in a unique and interactive experience, stepping into the realm of the fair folk, where we become the ultimate arbiters of their fate.

Mark Borthwick, Ailsa Dixon, and David Hughes, the talented trio from the Young Edinburgh Storytellers (YES), embark on a journey of emergence and rewilding through their eloquent tales and haunting melodies. The blend of modern and traditional instruments transports us to a world where the living lands of modern Scotland juxtapose with the ethereal mysteries of the Faeries’ Tír na nÓg. As the audience, we are bestowed with the power to decide which storyteller merits a return to the human realm, amplifying the immersive nature of the performance.

Each storyteller’s tale is recounted with passion and gentleness, compelling us to contemplate themes of forgiveness, love and the environment. Throughout the show, we are reminded that “Good stories cast enchantments, great stories break them,” and this sentiment truly resonates in the magic spun by the YES team.

Despite occasional fumbles, the overall experience is one of being gently embraced by a world of imagination and folklore. Land Under Wave artfully bridges the gap between the mundane and the mystical, leaving us with tales to carry back to our reality – stories that hold lessons and wisdom about our treatment of the earth and each other. This enchanting show offers a magical escape and a profound reminder of the power of storytelling to transport us to wondrous places.

Land Under Wave
Scottish Storytelling Centre, Netherbow Theatre
17.45
25, 27 Aug