Review: Book of Shadows, Underbelly Cowgate

It’s always exciting to see a show by Mochinosha, probably the most incredible shadow puppetry company in the universe! It’s even more thrilling when you know it’s a world premiere at the Edinburgh Fringe. Book of Shadows takes a step in a different direction to their usual shows, devised more for adults than a family audience and embracing ideas of magick (with a ‘k’), mysticism and the occult. This works really well with the company’s signature style, which remains cheekily entertaining but now delivers focus in a variety of fascinating new areas. 

A huge screen fills the space at Big Belly, Underbelly Cowgate, as Seri Yanai and Daniel Wishes enter the darkened room to introduce the show. Well, when I say they do the introduction, it’s actually a Tiny Frog Wizard who has the audience in the palm of his hand from the off. We’re laughing almost immediately before the exquisite shadow puppetry even begins. Then the opening Harry Potter-style abduction sequence is so exceptional and dramatic – visually, comedically and audibly – it merits five stars on its own. 

Truth and fiction are beautifully intermingled, with the main character being Madame Helena Petrovna Blavatsky. A real woman, she founded the Theosophical Society, which is a spiritual movement that understands divinity to be universal and draws together Western beliefs with those of ancient religions such as Buddhism and Hinduism, and it’s reflected in the themes of the show. She and her granddaughter go on a quest to save a group of children from rich people who are cannibals, and encounter many mystical and supernatural things en route, including tarot, séances and goat unicorns.  

The story is filled with intriguingly rich information, while at the same time being highly accessible through its comic book presentation and fabulous soundtrack. As it’s a production for adults there is some bad language and the odd child being eaten, but we’re reminded it’s not real – it’s just a show. In any case, suspension of disbelief is a vital thing in puppetry, so anything should be expected here. 

It’s always captivating to see these two talented artists at work, totally synchronised as they perform over 400 pieces of puppetry whilst lining up the music and acting out all the characters. This time round they have additionally added interesting new techniques to the projection work, including use of liquid trays to create hypnotic backgrounds, and paper theatre scenes which make historical segments stand out quite differently. It’s a true celebration of analogue craft and artistically meticulous. 

If you thought puppetry was for children, think again. Book of Shadows is ideal for the curious adult, with exciting themes, a fantasy adventure, brilliant music and plenty of laughs, so don’t miss it. If you need more convincing, you can read more about the creation of this amazing show in our recent interview with the team at Mochinosha. 

Created by: Mochinosha/Book of Shadowz (Daniel Wishes and Seri Yanai) 

Book of Shadows plays at Underbelly Cowgate until Sunday 30 August as part of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.