Dandelion takes you into the garden opposite where the army at the fringe performs their main theatre productions. Dandelion also doubles up as the name of the youngest daughter in the performance.
Set in a peaceful environment it offers the audience a place to relax and listen to the voice
inside the headphones as they explore the surrounding gardens at their leisure.
The pre-recorded story explains to the audience techniques to use to help the mind meditate and relax.
Written as an insight into army life through the eyes of the children of serving officers in the British army. In this instance, Dandelion's Mum is the serving officer. Dad described as spending
a lot of time “under the sheets” it is safe to say that Dad appears to be suffering from some form of depression which leaves the adulting tasks to the oldest daughter to conduct.
The sisters discuss what it feels like to be constantly moving home and the rituals that they have put in place to ensure that each new army quarter feels like home with their regime of moving the furniture into the same positions and organising the photographs. Plumping up cushions and trying to settle in as soon as possible.
The entire performance has been set within the grounds of the garden it is a beautiful and tranquil setting. A perfect place to experience the often unspoken world of army life through the eyes of the children into how they feel" about constantly moving house and never having any roots or making permanent friendships.
Be prepared to shed a tear or two at some point during the emotional performance as members of the audience was either moved to tears or you can feel your eyes well up. The moment I experienced mine, was when dandelion described climbing into the wardrobe to be embraced by her Mum’s smell. This is one of the most moving immersive theatre productions I have yet to experience, and I thoroughly recommend it.
