Scotland

Mysteries of the Picts – Sauna Theatre Summerhall

There is something wonderfully Fringe about sitting in a sauna with 47 other souls while being invited to contemplate whether the Picts were partial to a good steam.

Mysteries of the Picts explores not only Pictish culture but the much longer history of sauna itself, looking at archaeological evidence for sweathouses and communal bathing stretching back thousands of years. When it comes specifically to the Picts, things become rather more speculative. There is no firm archaeological evidence that they used saunas, although the production reasonably suggests that sacred gathering places may subsequently have disappeared beneath churches, civic buildings and other later development.

It is interesting, although the history and archaeology remain somewhat vague. Where the production really comes alive is when the talking gives way to heat, scent and movement.

Two female performers take over the space for some genuinely impressive Aufguss, using towels to propel waves of hot, scented air around the sauna. Essential oils, branches and leaves are incorporated into the ritual, and the towel work becomes almost a form of choreography in itself. It is visually striking, physically exhilarating and, crucially, makes complete sense within this extraordinary performance space.

There were 48 of us on the benches at my performance, easily the busiest I have seen Sauna Theatre during this Fringe. Perhaps that is because we are later in the run, but I suspect Mysteries of the Picts is simply finding an audience.

Having now experienced five productions here, including the Jewish bathing traditions of Bubble Schmeisis and the more contemplative Virginia Woolf-inspired The Waves, this may be the closest Sauna Theatre has come to finding the ideal balance between storytelling and the sauna experience itself.

I still wonder whether the guaranteed tourist sell-out is waiting to be discovered. Braveheart: The Sauna, perhaps? A half-naked William Wallace stalking the benches, recounting the struggle for Scottish independence while a couple of maidens perform Aufguss around him. At Festival time, they might need a bigger sauna.

Joking aside, Mysteries of the Picts demonstrates just how interesting this new theatrical form can become. The history could do with more substance, but the combination of ritual, storytelling, scent, heat and accomplished physical performance gets tantalisingly close.

Of the five Sauna Theatre shows I have seen, this is perhaps the most complete. They haven’t quite hit the bullseye yet, but the target is getting distinctly warmer.

Playing until August 31st 2026, https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/2026MYSTERJ

Reviewer: Greg Holstead

Reviewed: 21st August 2026

North West End UK / Theatre Muse UK Rating: