Review: The Only Way Out Is In – Pitlochry Festival Theatre

‘The Only Way Out Is In’ is an immersive experience, set in a pavilion in the Explorers Garden in the grounds of Pitlochry Festival Theatre. Led by Scottish Independent Theatre Artist Sharron Devine, with Soundscape design by Ben Scappaticcio, participants are taken on a journey of self discovery, whilst confronting world-wide issues relating to the desecration of our natural resources.

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Sharron is gentle and caring, always ensuring participants feel safe – in my case a worry about vertigo, as much of the experience involves wearing a blindfold and keeping your eyes shut.  ‘How do you feel about risk?’ She asks before popping the blindfold over my eyes.  I found myself smiling throughout, although I’m still not quite sure why – the silent version of nervous laughter perhaps.  Because of the blindfold, the ‘journey’ is much more about sounds and smells than anything else, though there is a physical journey too.  I found myself feeling a bit like I do in a magic show – wanting to get underneath the illusion, rather than enjoying the moment some of the time. I think you have to be prepared to let yourself go, in every sense of that phrase, and ‘trust the process’ as we hear so often nowadays. I found I just couldn’t do it.

An immersive experience, set in a pavilion in the Explorers Garden in the grounds of Pitlochry Festival Theatre.

I loved the initial introduction to Sharron’s world and appreciated her very honest sharing about the set-up.  She asks you to think about yourself and then compare notes with her, before the journey begins. She is kind and gentle and guides you safely on your journey in nature until you end up on the balcony of the pavilion in the tree canopy of the Explorers Garden.  Beautiful.

‘The Only Way Out is In’ is quite short – 25 minutes or so –  and a wee bit hurried at times, due to running a bit late – and despite the good start, I knew I was probably in the wrong place when Sharron told me she is a hoarder who can’t let go of things.  Metaphorical perhaps, but actual as well, so it seems.  I’m all for ‘Swedish Death Cleaning’ and getting rid of clutter.  The initial exercise to consider a lot of how I feel in the world also told me I was probably not an ideal candidate to be warned about global warning and the benefit of the great outdoors. I don’t want to be dismissive, but I know, I already know – and try to do my bit.  I love the ‘great outdoors’ already but no I don’t want to sit out in a rain storm and get drenched.  Other than ‘being in nature’ and reviling those who exploit our natural resources, there were no ideas or answers. Maybe that’s not the point and it’s more about self-love and the healing powers of nature for the individual, but I found the whole thing lacked cohesion and purpose.  And not being able to see anything for most of the experience just a bit disappointing.

it’s more about self-love and the healing powers of nature for the individual

I’m so sorry Sharron, because you are a beautiful human being with great intention and I know others will love this experience. I would rather have walked through the gorgeous Explorers Garden with you and talked about life, love and loss – and the nature of healing in nature – which I think is what ’The Only Way Out Is In’ is really all about.

Featured Image: The Only Way Out Is In – Pitlochry Festival Theatre

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The Only Way Out is In will play the Pavilion (Explorers Garden), Pitlochry Festival Theatre, Pitlochry, from Wednesday 17th June until Sunday 28th June 2026. For tickets or more information, click here: https://www.pitlochryfestivaltheatre.com/whats-on/the-only-way-out-is-in/