As Part of the Edinburgh Horror Festival, at the historic Lauriston Castle whose high windows gaze down upon the Firth of Forth, The Séance Adventure draws a sell-out, audience who shuffle nervously, or perhaps to create heat, at the base of the imposing and grand stone staircase in the impressive double height entrance hall.
It is only 3pm, but already the Winter sun is low, the clocks having just lost an hour of precious daylight. The dim is setting in.
Ash Pryce’s entrance does little to lift the mood, as he beckons us, after a brief introduction, into the dark depths of the castle. Part, tour of the castle, and part interactive supernatural magic show, this is certainly a unique and original offering from the man who co-founded the Horror Festival. Pryce talks quietly and slowly throughout, with an obvious reverence for the history and spirituality of the building. Some rooms are particularly impressive, the Library being my favourite, with its walls of ancient books pocketed by windows facing three aspects, and including a beautiful round turret, with a vaulted timber panelled ceiling. A place to stop and think about the mysteries of life.
In each room Pryce invites members of the audience to take part in magic demonstrations, involving some nice slight of hand, misdirection and cold reading, together with some sophisticated props. It is an informative and entertaining hour in the castle, that culminates in the Séance Room, the basement, private sitting room where one final ultimate test awaits.
It is certainly worth considering for a cold wet Sunday, a 2 for 1 proposition of an informative tour of a fascinating building and some impressive magic along the way in the company of the talented and entertaining Mr Pryce. Whilst this may not ever feel particularly supernatural, this does not necessarily detract from the overall quality of the experience.
Reviewer: Greg Holstead
Reviewed: 29th October 2023
North West End UK Rating: