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The Legend of Shanhai

 
Hannah Mackenzie Review by Hannah Mackenzie 3 Published: 4 Aug 2025 C ARTS | C venues | C aurora Show Dates: 3 Aug 2025-5 Aug 2025

The Legend of Shanhai is based on ancient Chinese mythology and follows Beiming, a young boy who dreams of escaping the island he calls home. He embarks on an adventure with Kun – a fish who wants to be a bird (played by two actors). Together, they brave the ocean, and Beiming learns that growing up does not mean escaping his parents and home, but rather growing in wisdom and understanding of the lessons his parents have taught him and who he wants to be – a charming moral to a simple story.

Growing up does not mean escaping parents and home, but growing in wisdom and understanding

All the young actors are very focused and almost professional, handling any mishaps or costume malfunctions well. The show is well rehearsed, the performers’ movements are evidently practised, and their lines are learned. There are some strong voices within the cast, particularly the two actors playing Kun. The costumes also deserve mention, as the majority are striking and sparkle beneath the stage lights. However, at times it is hard to make out what the actors are saying. The theatre at C-Arts Aurora is rather large, and the actors’ lungs are small, so something in the way of a microphone would have been useful.

Like many adults now working around theatre, I was once part of an amateur troupe as a child, so I can easily imagine how exciting – and perhaps intimidating – it must be to perform in front of so many. I wish these young performers all the best and hope they enjoy the rest of their time at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

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The Blurb:

Set against a stunning deep-sea dreamscape, The Legend of Shanhai is a magical musical blending fantasy, adventure and the bittersweet journey of growing up. In the whispering waves of the North Sea, young Beiming dreams of the skies beyond his island home. Swept into a mysterious undersea world, he meets Kun – a mighty fish longing to soar. As they brave whirlpools and sea beasts, Beiming learns that true freedom lies in embracing both roots and wings. Inspired by ancient Chinese mythology, this lyrical tale is a soaring ode to family, dreams and self-discovery.