The Selkie story is a strong choice in the current dearth of pretty but rather empty fairy-story/folklore interpretations at the cinema. This myth is about many things but very much about life transitions and, as such this show invites us all in, it spans the generations.

The original tale is of a fated love affair, of an outsider trying to fit in but always against the pull of her true nature. A ‘seal women’ takes on the form of a human to follow the man she falls for, but is drawn back to her native territory – the sea. The impact of this story should be that we feel a sense of loss; it’s a low key tragedy, a lament. With consummate skill this production keeps this narrative and tone, but adds humour, and, leaves us with a strong sense of loss at the end.

As the audience you enter the theatre to the sound of waves, as if being washed in by the sea. Four silent figures on stage wait for us to settle and be seated before beginning the retelling of the myth, transposed to our time. This simple but unusual introduction made me feel valued as an audience member, and my attention was carried from the moment of crossing the threshold into the studio.

This was a treat in sophisticated blending of simple elements; actors inventively using a set covered in plastic bottles – the flotsam of our shoreline – used as both set and props. A quick witted, entertaining and purposeful live sound accompaniment added pace, depth and, in places, music to two young and very focused performances by Katie Sherrard and Adam Farrell. I saw in it a fable of lost and lacking opportunities for youth amid the hazards of contemporary life. Concisely told and beautifully revealed.   ★★★★☆   Vicky Vatcher   05/03/15 at Bath

Photo  Paul Blakemore