Darkfield: Eulogy – Summerhall

Set in a shipping container outside of Summerhall this liminal experiment uses binaural sound and haptic feedback to provide an experience unlike many at the Fringe. This year, Darkfield have also introduced speech recognition technology into the mix, and a series of questions are asked at the outset to allow the algorithm to curate a more individual experience.

They are pushing the boundaries, and with the powerful tools they have, they are closing in on their goal of ‘participation theatre’ but are not there yet.

The storyline is set in a strange hotel, where you are transported to different levels by a lift, which you can feel and hear moving. Air movement across your face adds to the virtual reality. You also have a guide, in my case a young woman who whispers in my ear, which is a nice touch. The biggest problem is that the story itself makes little sense, hence the experiment fails at the first hurdle, which is a shame.

Certainly, interesting and a worthwhile ‘filler’ if you have a spare 35 minutes and want to see where this tech is going, but for me this is still very much a work in progress.

Multiple times Daily – Till 25^th August

https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/eulogy

Reviewer: Greg Holstead

Reviewed: 4^th August 2025

North West End UK Rating:

Running time – 35mins