Te POOka

Te POOka isn't in the official Fringe brochures. The cast don't flyer and the directions I'm given simply detail the street name, stating that the magic will begin "behind the Big Red Door." This is all very intriguing and, I'm not going to lie, a little scary.

Te POOka is less of an organised show than an experience – an evening brimming with whimsical and cantakerous eccentricity. Welcome to the world of Lady Lawson and her urchins. Behind the red door reveals a converted warehouse complete with lavish ornings, a licensed bar and a small stage. Here, Lady Lawson is holding a party to which we are all invited. In an evening which lasts from 8pm-1am the audience are treated to a showcase of circus acts, storytellers and music – all chivvied along with a great deal of carnival spirit.

There's a juggler dressed as a gargoyle, a female-urchin spouting the tale of Burke and Hare, Edinburgh's famous body-snatchers, and flamboyant acrobats to name a few. These aren't passive performances either: the audience are constantly asked for their input and ideas, and there's a house dog who, with brilliant timing, jumps on stage barking to join in with the festivity. The acts aren't perfect, and due to recent Edinburgh flooding we're told that a large part of their gypsy carnival are absent from proceedings, but Te POOka isn't about pristine, polished performance. The charm of this production is its simplicity; its ability to stay true to its Bohemian values and carefree spirit, while at the same time entertaining a demanding Fringe audience.