We have all heard the Disney versions of the fairy tales, the ones where the princess marries the prince, they live happily ever after and absolutely no one has to cut their alkalies off or dance in hot iron shoes. The original stories are not as well known and much more gruesome, after all not everyone can have a happy ending.
Eden Storyteller takes us on a mythical journey through the original Grimm’s fairy tales that inspired the much more publicized ones, or more accurately the original fairy tales that inspired the Gimm’s stories. . Expect blood, cannibalism (in abundance), child abuse and well deserved stories of revenge.
Eden is a natural performer and storyteller; he exudes charisma and charm. The venue is intimate which suites the show well, with Eden commanding the space whilst opening up the show for audience interaction and discussion. He’s story telling is visually exciting even without any real props or projection, a real compliment on the performer’s physicality and technique. He’s articulate and welcoming even when discussing more sordid and vile imagery.
The venue of this show can be a little misleading as it is central to the children’s area of the Pleasance Courtyard but as the title suggests “not for kids”. I wouldn’t recommend the event to any particularly young audience. The topics are much darker than that of a children’s story time session, that being said there is nothing so gory that a 10 year old could not sit through, although the jokes are a little more catered to us adults.
Whilst the well known tales of Cinderella, Snow White and Little Red Riding Hood are explored, Eden focuses more heavily on tales that are less well known. He is also not afraid to pick fun at them: the young beautiful maidens without common sense, the recurring dark house in the woods and of course the weird details left in these stories that serve no purpose at all.
If you enjoy a little gore, a flash back to the version of fairy tales that you thought were only in your mind and a good charismatic story teller I’d definitely give the show a go.
Buckets Of Blood plays at Pleasance Courtyard- The Green from 1st-26th (excluding 14th) 15:40.
Tickets: Buckets of Blood – Fairy Tales Not For Kids | Theatre | Edinburgh Festival Fringe (edfringe.com)
Reviewer: Beth Eltringham
Reviewed: 1st August 2024
North West End UK Rating: