Dream Space (2025), Assembly George Square, Review

Image
Whale puppet moves, held by puppeteers. Dark background, whale is lit up with lights showing on head.
Rating (out of 5)
4
Show info
Company
Creative Group SSAK / Korean Season by GCC & AtoBiz
Production
Jin-young Son, SSAK (Creators, Photography)
Performers
Jin-young Son; Creative Groupe SSAK
Running time
50mins

Wonderfully evocative and enchanting, this family-friendly show explores dreams connected to the sea: one where a wizard is trying to save his village from the sea, another where two people stranded on a desert island try to escape and another where a young girl is enchanted by whales and has an adventure with the sea. Much of this is performed using puppetry and simple sounds, with the soothing sound of the waves and seagulls in the background. A blue sheet to represent the sea is used to great effect and the wonder when young people (and adults) are invited to jump in the sea is a delight to behold. This is an adventure that dreamers of all ages can enjoy.

Opening the show with bubbles, the tone is set for the magical fun to be had by the skilled team. The hand puppetry is fun and done really well, with the occasional joke that adults can appreciate too. The storyline is clear as the wizard and his magic walking stick try to develop their powers. It is funny and sweet, as we all root for the wizard. With the next scene in the desert island and the treasure that washes up, it brings a deep dilemma to the two trying to escape to safety. There is a gentle exploration about what is important in life. The final scene with the whales is the highlight of the show. The puppetry is exquisite: the child comes alive as you feel her sadness and then joy. The whales playing with the child in the sea draws us into a wonderful journey, uplifting us.

This is a show that will leave you remembering that magical worlds can be created with simple stories and that all we need is a little bit of dreaming and the power of our own imaginations to take us there.

Show Time: 14-24 Aug (not 18) @ 13:25
Running time: 50 mins
Ticket Prices: £11-£12.50
https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/dream-space

Space accessibility: 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. May not apply to all performances. 

Age suitability: 5+ and older (Guideline). Babes in arms policy: Babies do not require a ticket. Policy applies to: Children under 18 months. Age restrictions: All bars 18+ for non-ticket holders after 10pm.