Wee Seals and Selkies is a magical warm hug from children’s author, Janis Mackay. Her velvet voice and adept physicality captures young imaginations from the outset. As we enter, she sits on the edge of the simple set while her musician companion, Donald Scott, warms the atmosphere with this fiddle.
In this delightful family show, storytelling and music combine to create an enchanting performance, evoking the Scottish northern seashores. The Wee Seal is the true tale of a seal born in the storyteller’s garden, while The Selkie Girl is a retelling for children of the much-loved magical selkie myth.
Based on two of Janis Mackay’s much-loved books; The Wee Seal, and The Selkie Girl (Floris Books), the sea and the seals are evoked both on stage and by the audience.
The lighting, costumes and set are subtle, minimalist perfection for this interactive piece of gentle taletelling. Before a word is spoken the little ones are curious about the lobster pot, the upturned boat, the suitcase and the hidden item on the table. The “why” word is in their heads.
The ending reflects the illumination we all might feel at the end of a satisfying story. It was met with cheers and rapturous applause from a delighted gaggle of little ones and their smiling grown-ups.
Playing August 4th-8th, 10th-13th, 19th-20th, 26th-27th at 11am (50 minutes), https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/wee-seals-and-selkies
Reviewer: Kathleen Mansfield
Reviewed: 4th August 2023
North West End UK Rating:
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