REVIEW – WE WERE PROMISED HONEY! – EDINBURGH FRINGE

At the very beginning of We We’e Promised Honey! Sam Ward, creator and performer rises from the audience and explains that this story doesn’t have a happy ending. He says now he’s shared this knowledge it’s up to the audience to decide whether they wish to hear the rest of the tale.

YESYESNONO return to the Fringe with the world premiere of We Were Promised Honey! This theatre company’s aim is to make work which invites the audience to consider their own situation as a spectator. Throughout the performance Ward asks the audience if they wish to continue and involves the audience, asking them to read the lines or provide information. It’s a truly unique type of theatre which I’ve not witnessed before

Within the show are the voiceovers of Richard Russell, a man that aspired to be a pilot. He had no experience of flying, but despite this, hijacked an aeroplane from Seattle-Tacoma airport in 2018. What we are listening to within the show is Russell’s conversations with air traffic control. These voiceovers serve as a reminder to us throughout that the story is not going to end well, just as Russell’s did not.

This is no frills storytelling, there’s minimal lighting, effects or props. But Ward is charismatic and brilliant in his delivery, and you truly never know what will happen next. There is some beautiful lighting at the end, designed by David Doyle as our story ends. Although this is a one-person performance it’s also a collaboration between audience and Ward. It’s a truly unique production and will engage you throughout as you wonder what comes next. As despite having knowledge of the ending, the performance brings continual surprises as it involves the audience so heavily. We Were Promised Honey! Serves as a reminder that even when we know bad things may happen, we must solider on

Rating: 4 out of 5.

{🎟 AD – PR invite – Tickets were gifted in exchange for an honest review}

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