An incredible maximisation of the Fringe’s unique performance potential
Where does the mind go when reference points are removed? How far can we warp material reality, and in doing so, how much of material reality really remains intact afterwards? Immersive theatre company Darkfield have created three outstanding experience performances which interrogate these questions head on. Taking place in a unique shipping container venue where audiences’ senses are stifled then drip-fed with a masterfully controlled 360 binaural audio narrative, facilitating access to a plane of thinking otherwise rarely delved into.
Each of Darkfield’s offerings at the fringe are distinct; COMA simulates the paralysis of a medical coma, FLIGHT places attendees on a plane that both will and will not make it home safely and ARCADE offers an interactive video-game style chance to alter the path of reality. Consistent across all three shows is a provocative engagement with the metaphysical ‘Schrodinger’s Cat’ problem, asking us to challenge our certainty of what exists when we cannot grasp it. Darkfield’s work is extremely well conceived and effectively executed – they are brilliant at what they do.
For a unique Fringe experience that genuinely pushes at sensory familiarity and bounds of thinking, I would absolutely recommend all three of Darkfield’s shows. What’s more, they are only 30 minutes each and operate on a rolling time basis throughout the day, so are perfect for a last-minute lull in your schedule. I am excited for the potential of how Darkfield’s work could grow and the places their theatrical thinking could take us to …
LISTINGS INFO
FLIGHT
Assembly George Square (Venue 8), 5 – 31 August 2026
Website: www.assemblyfestival.com/whats-on/flight
Running Time: 20 minutes
Age Restriction: 14+
Trigger Warnings: Complete darkness – may not be suitable for those with claustrophobia
COMA
Assembly George Square (Venue 8), 5 – 31 August 2026
Website: www.assemblyfestival.com/whats-on/coma
Running Time: 20 minutes
Age Restriction: 14+
Trigger Warnings: Contains themes of coma, medical themes, and death. Complete darkness – may not be suitable for those with claustrophobia
ARCADE
Pleasance Dome (Venue 23), 5 – 31 August 2026
Website: www.pleasance.co.uk/event/arcade
Running Time: 30 minutes
Age Restriction: 16+
Trigger Warnings: Contains themes of violence to humans, including children and animals, death, warfare, explicit language, and sexual content. Also contains flashes of light. Sensory triggers: sudden sprays of water, gusts of air, red and white singular light flashes, single loud gunshot sounds.
This show runs at X until Y. Tickets here.