Darkfield has a well-earned reputation for bending the mind through total sensory control, and Visitors is no exception. Presented in complete darkness with only a pair of high-quality binaural headphones as your lifeline to the outside world, it’s a strikingly intimate encounter. The sound design is astonishing, voices slip behind you, whisper in your ear, or circle the space with uncanny precision. Every creak of a chair or shuffle of a foot lands with hyper real clarity, making you question what’s in your head and what’s in the room.
The premise requires two people and sees your +1 sit opposite you as Jean and Alex, two characters clearly existing somewhere in the afterlife, make their presence known. There’s a gentle eeriness to it, an unsettling suggestion of being used as a vessel for their return. As a hint, in order for this experiment to work correctly you should follow instructions carefully and not open your eyes unless instructed, even though the urge to do so is strong at times!
Unfortunately, compared to Darkfield’s other offerings at Summerhall this year, Visitors feels the least compelling. The immersive craft is still world class, but the storyline drifts rather than grips. Jean and Alex’s exchanges are vague, and their lack of action leaves the piece feeling static. Without a clearer narrative pull, the tension dissipates.
What I long for is a piece that truly takes me somewhere frightening, an experience that grabs you by the throat and won’t let go. I’m convinced Darkfield can do it, but Visitors feels watered down, playing too much to the crowd rather than the individual. Some of us would, and could, take a much harder, more confronting approach.
It’s still worth experiencing for the sound design alone, but it’s the weakest link in an otherwise strong chain.
Multiple times Daily – Till 25th August
https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/darkfield-radio-double-visitors-and-eternal
Reviewer: Greg Holstead
Reviewed: 9th August 2025
North West End UK Rating:
Running time – 25mins