Ines Tercio (Fundraising Manager); Charlotte Wilkinson (UK Touring Producer); Mario Ruiz (Production Co-ordinator); Isobel Jones & Winnie Zhao (With thanks to); Nick Morris (Edinburgh 2025 Technical Manager); Derek Penny, Jenny Bates, Lily Bell Penny (Edinburgh 2025 Technical Operators)
DARKFIELD are well known for their expertise in immersive theatre and this year they have several shows at the Fringe. The DARKFIELD Radio trilogy is a new version of work that was created for play-at-home productions during the pandemic and has 3 different options. Double is for two people only; Eternal is for one. This review is for Eternal, for one person.
Using binaural technology is often a major part of any Darkfield experience. It is an effective part of feeling immersed in a production: because the tech works independently for the left and right ears, it means the voice sounds very close at times which is deliberately unsettling. For Eternal, the show is experienced in the dark, while lying down on a bed. This too can be unsettling but also adds to the whole experience.
As a horror story and with scare tactics employed in the storytelling, it is effective. The darkness, the voice in your ears, the sounds and the drafts – all of these work together to add to the atmosphere of the piece. For those who do Eternal you will be warned not to fall asleep because you are lying down on a bed. It is tempting to drift off, but the storyline will keep you awake. While the show may be short, it stays with you. The only drawback from being in the dark is that when the lights come back and you are advised to open your eyes, it is very disorienting and you have to leave quickly before properly adjusting to light change. Despite this it is a fascinating experience and worth the vist as a very different type of theatre.
Show Time: 20-25 Aug @ various times
Summerhall
Ticket Prices: £10
https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/darkfield-radio-double-visitors-and-eternal
Warnings: DOUBLE: Contains themes of death and explores the Capgras Syndrome; VISITORS: Contains themes of death, ghosts and possession; ETERNAL: Contains themes of death and vampires. Haze. Audience Participation, Shows take place in complete darkness. If you're claustrophobic or scared of the dark, these shows may not suit you. ETERNAL takes place lying down and contains themes of coercion. Additional information: Please only select one route per time slot. Please note, latecomers may not be admitted. For access information, please contact Box Office directly
Venue accessibility: Once in the Courtyard, standing facing the Royal Dick, enter through the ground floor double doors to your left. Walk past the Anatomy Lecture Theatre and through the double doors, take a right; down to the end of the corridor, Old Lab is directly ahead. Wheelchair access type: Level Access. Stairs: None. Number of stairs is provided as guidance and is not in addition to any wheelchair access type (lift/ramp etc) stated above. Wheelchair Access, Wheelchair Accessible Toilets, Audio Enhancement System. May not apply to all performances.
Age suitability: 14+ (guideline). Babes in arms policy: babies do not require a ticket. Policy applies to: children under 2 years. Age restrictions: After 22.00 the venue is 18+. If an under 18-year-old has a ticket for a show after 22.00, they are allowed to attend the showing but are unable to stay at Summerhall after the performance.