FairyFales at Fringe World promised a global storytelling experience, weaving together Greek, Zulu, Japanese, and Irish folklore. While the energy of the performance built steadily as each storyteller took the stage, the show didn’t quite deliver the intimate, organic feel I had hoped for.

One storyteller stood out with a quirky and clever approach, using visual aids that added a fun and engaging layer to their performance. The stories themselves were unfamiliar to me, which was a delightful surprise—I loved being introduced to myths and legends I hadn’t encountered before. The contemporary spin on these classic tales was intriguing, though at times, the modern embellishments felt out of place. In particular, the use of unnecessary swearing detracted from the storytelling rather than enhancing it.

A key issue was the staging. While the setup positioned this as a more traditional stage performance, I couldn’t help but feel that a “theatre in the round” format would have been far more effective. Sitting in a circle, with the audience surrounding the storytellers, would have created a campfire-like atmosphere—something that would have suited the nature of the show beautifully. Instead, the separation between performers and audience reinforced a sense of distance, making the experience feel rehearsed and somewhat hectic, rather than the easygoing, intimate vibe I craved.

Additionally, the show’s description didn’t quite match what was presented. While I appreciated the effort to breathe new life into old stories, I expected a more immersive experience—one that broke down the fourth wall and fostered a real connection between audience and performer. Instead, it felt more like a staged recital than an organic storytelling session.

Overall, FairyFales had potential, and I admired the passion behind it. However, a shift in format and a greater focus on fostering connection could elevate it from an engaging showcase of stories to a truly magical storytelling experience.