A sell-out at the 2022 Scottish International Storytelling Festival, Dougie Mackay and Freya Rae’s ‘Animate Lands: Mythic Celtic Tales’ returns to the scene of its former success. Will it charm Fringe punters the way it did storytelling fans? You bet.
This is a well-constructed, fascinating primer on the animistic side of the Celtic story-scape. Mackay is a first-rate storyteller and a charming host, whilst Rae’s talents with fiddle and whistle are woven through the fabric of the show. It’s not all telling and no taking either, with a few riddle-like questions put to the audience early-doors. ‘What’s blacker than a raven’s wing? What’s more numerous all of the blades of grass in the world?’
Let your sub-consciousnesses mull it over, and offer up their answers when you go along?
Mackay doesn’t make the mistake of trying to pack too much in, instead focussing his attention on only a select few tales. Each finds a place in his set, due to their connection to nature, and the traditional wisdom of folks who dwelled sustainably in the wilds before the industrial age. His muse for the hour being that great king of the long lost Fianna, Fionn mac Cumhail, who first furnishes the storyteller with the salmon of knowledge. The origin tale of Fionn’s famed wisdom, it makes for a light and merry beginning.
The Highlight is the tale of Sadhbh, which follows. A familiar tale to those who travel the storytelling pathways, it never loses its wonder, tragedy, and unlooked-for hope. Mackay’s telling is trim, and ripe with his characteristic wry humour. Rae is a constant source of evocative melodies and gentle rhythms, a partner to the tale-telling in every sense. There’s even a little audience participation, so feel free to warm up your barking hound, or hollering warrior impressions before taking a seat.
There’s just the wee-est potential to tighten up Mackay and Rae’s final few minutes and really drive home the themes of the hour with a touch more conviction. In the aftermath of the emotional rollercoaster of Sadhbh, every word needs to be picked and wielded with deliberation if they are to hit home whilst the audience is vulnerable.
It’s a small quibble in what is, otherwise a masterful hour of tale and tune. As introductions to the storytelling art for audiences of any age go, you’d be hard pushed to find anything better. So go and be gently entranced at the Scottish Storytelling Centre, by ‘Animate Lands: Mythic Celtic Tales’ – you won’t regret it.
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