• Advertise
  • Request Review
  • Write for Us
  • Privacy
  • Login

Theatre Bubble

The UK Theatre Network

Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy
  • Reviews
  • News
  • Features
  • Spotlight
  • Opinions
  • Interviews
  • Guides
  • Tickets

EdFringe 2017 – Seance at Summerhall

August 7, 2017 by Maggie Kelly Leave a Comment

Review of: Seance
Price:
£4-£5

Reviewed by: Maggie Kelly
Rating:
3
On August 7, 2017
Last modified:August 7, 2017

Summary:

Beautiful binaural technology missing that crucial human factor.

More Details

There seems to be a rather tech-heavy theme emerging at this year’s Fringe. While this makes sense from a commercial point of view (selling shows that include interesting technical element is a sure-fire way of getting audiences in the door), shows like Séance remain rather difficult to ‘rate’ as they don’t follow the same rulebook as more traditional theatre. The tech element is so beautiful, so mind-blowing that it deserves all the glowing adjectives it can garner, true. However, the show is the tech element; there is very little else to discuss. The whole premise of the piece is to rob you of visuals so the aurals can completely consume you without any distraction, transport you into a world defined and created by sound. It is almost filmic in the way that it is presented, a pre-recorded rollercoaster full of the wonders of binaural technology but lacking any human or emotional element that makes theatre so explosive.

I would almost be tempted to label it as an exhibition rather than a theatrical experience. Twenty people sit in a pitch-black shipping container, slip on headphones and allow themselves to be absorbed by an invisible figure asking them to ‘believe’ – believe in spirits, in fear, in being by yourself, completely alone. The aurals are so good that it is completely impossible to recognize whether the speeches are pre-recorded or whether there is someone in the container with you, impossible to tell what is ‘real’, what is ‘fiction’. Fellow audience members are heard conversing with said invisible figure; I still have no idea whether this actually happened or whether we were all sat there in utter silence, eavesdropping on completely non-existent exchanges. As an academic experience, one that makes you question what makes something ‘real’ or not, it was fascinating.

However, creating a show so reliant upon tech can be a curiously isolating, shallow experience if it does not include a human factor – I left Séance suitably impressed at the skill of the designers but, personally, completely unmoved. Showing us one element in such a stripped down way is gorgeous, is impressive, but does cut away what I love about the theatrical medium – the interaction of so many different departments, people, specialities.

Author: Maggie Kelly

Filed Under: Review Tagged With: Edinburgh Fringe 2017, Summerhall

Join the discussion Cancel reply

INTERVIEW / Davinia Hamilton on Blanket Ban

Following its hit run at Edinburgh Festival Fringe, theatre makers and activists Davinia Hamilton and Marta Vella bring their rallying [Read More]

INTERVIEW / Richard Vergette on Leaving Vietnam

We spoke to Richard Vergette, writer and performer of Leaving Vietnam. Richard plays a war veteran who feels ignored and [Read More]

Review / The Journey To Venice at the Finborough Theatre

Bjorg Vik’s play The Journey To Venice is a delightful production, entertaining yet full of pathos. A play with a [Read More]

INTERVIEW / Tzarini Meyler talks KITES at VAULT Festival

We spoke to Artistic Director of LipZinc Theatre, writer and performer Tzarini Meyler about her upcoming show at VAULT Festival [Read More]

INTERVIEW / Naomi Westerman talks BATMAN (aka Naomi’s Death Show)

We spoke to writer and performer Naomi Westerman from Little But Fierce about her upcoming show at VAULT Festival Can [Read More]

Top Posts & Pages

  • 5 Stage Elements to Consider for a Rousing Theatrical Production
  • Hang at The Royal Court
  • Angharad Jones on The Swearing Jar 
  • The Further Adventures of the Owl and the Pussycat
  • Tim Edge talks Under the Black Rock
  • The Donmar Warehouse's Julius Caesar at the King's Cross Theatre
  • Breach Theatre
  • 10 Tips to Help You Prepare for Your Reality TV Auditions
  • Ben Lloyd-Hughes in Kiss Me
  • Katy Owen: How to Apply to Drama Schools*
  • Maggie Kelly
    Author

  • August 7th, 2017
  • comment iconNo Comments
  • FacebookTweetLinkedInEmail

    Newsletter

    Enjoyed what you've read? Get even more great content directly to your inbox - Completely Free

    About Theatre Bubble

    Theatre Bubble is the news, review and blogging site created by Blue Pie Media and run by a dedicated team of outstanding editors and writers: we're always looking for new contributors - to find out more click here.

    Contact Us

    News: news@theatrebubble.com
    Reviews: reviews@theatrebubble.com
    Website: webmaster@theatrebubble.com

    Privacy Policy

    Copyright © 2023 · Blue Pie Media

     

    Loading Comments...
     

      Share this ArticleLike this article? Email it to a friend!

      Email sent!