‘Muster Station: Leith’ is a piece of immersive theatre that takes the audience into an apocalyptic world. The UK is being flooded, and we have all been brought to the Muster Station in the hopes of boarding an arc that will allow us to survive a great wave that’s set to hit Edinburgh within 6 days. This crisis is produced by Grid Iron and can be experienced at Leith Academy from 15th – 26th August as part of the Edinburgh International Festival.
The audience began their journey by being escorted into a large security point where we were split into 4 groups. (Red, yellow, green and blue.) Each group was then given individual lanyards with a pouch in which we were instructed to place our phones after switching them off. Security staff warned that any phones seen out of their pouches would be confiscated. Not only did this immediately create a fitting tone of unease, but it also ensured that the experience would not be spoiled by any texting, filming, or photography. A quick and ingenious way to have everyone adhere to theatre etiquette. During this part, there was a janitor moving in between the seated audience taunting and branding us fools for coming here. This planted a seed of horror that was sure to bloom from whatever was going to follow.
After the audience were placed in groups, each were taken to different parts of the station which contained vignettes exploring different character’s perspectives on trying to evacuate the UK and seek refuge in other countries. The way the academy was utilized to build the different environments was highly impressive. (There was a scene that took place in a swimming pool that was very creative!) It’s important I think not to give too much away in terms of storylines, as much of the emotional impact would be lost if you came into this show knowing what was coming. Therefore, I will merely disclose that the acting of those involved was extraordinary. To depict characters in such an extreme situation with a demanding physical and emotional intensity is a challenge not to be underestimated. These actors all delivered. When it comes to immersive theatre, you must engage the audience, but you must also convince them that they are living in the story alongside you. I’d argue it’s the hardest form of acting.
The cast was comprised of Shyvonne Ahmmad, Rachel Bruce, Pauline Goldsmith, Joseph Ogeleka, Paul McCole, Tijan Sarr, Olivia Sikora and Naomi Stirrat. Together they brought to life some of the most endearing, frustrating, incredibly human characters I’ve ever witnessed. That credit also goes to the team of writers who were unafraid create characters that were charismatic whilst being flawed and even unlikeable at points. Ben Harrison, Nicola McCartney, Uma Nada-Rajah and Tawona Sitholé took a circumstance that was almost unfathomable and explored how a variety of people with different backgrounds would react to it. Their work provided numerous poignant and gripping moments. It was an exhilarating journey from scene to scene. The ushers also played a key part in this piece. They were dressed as “guardians” who guided the audience and instructed us when required. They all did an excellent job maintaining the tone of the piece and because of that the intervals between scenes did not distract the audience from the stakes. They remained focused and invested in how this practically futile journey might conclude. The only aspect of the intervals I did think could be improved was the wait time. Sometimes it felt a little too long, however I believe that could have been amended with more audio. Throughout the piece we heard radio interviews discussing the floods with politicians etc. which was excellent world-building. More use of those might’ve made the time in between scenes feel slightly slicker.
Overall, ‘Muster Station: Leith’ was a thoroughly gripping experience. True escapism and an unfiltered exploration of human nature. You’ll experience hope, despair and no doubt some chills along the way.
Tickets:
https://www.eif.co.uk/events/muster-station-leith
Header Image by Jess Shurte.
Theatre Scotland 
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