Dandelion, by Creative Electric, takes place in the garden opposite the Army@theFringe building. Dandelion also doubles up as the name of the younger daughter in the performance.
one of the most moving immersive theatre productions I have yet to experience
The entire performance has been set within the grounds of the garden, a peaceful environment that offers a place to explore at leisure; to relax and listen to the voice coming through the headphones. The pre-recorded story explains techniques to use to help the mind meditate and relax. It is a beautiful and tranquil setting.
What follows is 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 is described as spending a lot of time ‘under the sheets’ and is clearly suffering from some form of depression, which leaves many adult tasks to the older daughter to conduct. The sisters discuss what it feels like to be constantly moving house and never having any roots or making permanent friendships. They describe the rituals that they have put in place to ensure that each new army quarter feels like home, like moving the furniture into the same positions, organising the photographs, plumping up cushions and trying to settle in as soon as possible.
Be prepared to shed a tear or two at some point during this emotional performance. My moment came when Dandelion described climbing into the wardrobe to be embraced by her mum’s smell. That’s just a particular instance in one of the most moving immersive theatre productions I have yet to experience. I thoroughly recommend it.
