Dregs
★★★★☆ Refreshing
Scottish Storytelling Centre (Venue 30): Sat 2 – Sun 24 Aug 2025
Review by Hugh Simpson
Dregs, from Emery Hunter and Bobby Bradley at the Scottish Storytelling Centre throughout the Fringe, is a refreshing combination of ideas, cleverly put across.
Hard of Hearing performer Hunter provides BSL throughout in a production that completely integrates BSL and English. Hunter plays a selkie who has, in the time-honoured way, lost her skin, while Bradley is a mortal who has stumbled on to the Clydeside nightclub where magical creatures go for their Saturday night rave-up.
Promo material for Dregs.
The combination of folklore and the modern world is artfully done, in a story that deals with losing and finding yourself, as well as with making connections across languages and communities, in a way that is funny and involving.
The mix of visual theatre and storytelling would be noteworthy even if it wasn’t one of the less than 1% of Fringe shows that include any element of BSL. As it is, the writer-performers are thoroughly engaging and the narrative is involving.
The real and magical worlds are both clearly evoked, with bags of energy (and swearing). There is a freshness and a sparkiness to the production, as well as an open-heartedness that is very appealing. Both performers have a likeable presence, with their direction (aided by Neil John Gibson and Jen Bates, with Ruxy Cantir as movement consultant) is deft and rhythmical.
It might look even better on on even barer stage; this is not the only show at this year’s Fringe to feature assorted rubbish around the edge of the acting area in a way that distracts rather than enhances.
However, this is one of the few gripes about a production that overall is very convincing.
Running time: 55 minutes (no interval).
Scottish Storytelling Centre (Netherbow Theatre), 43-45 High St, EH1 1SR. (Venue 30).
Saturday 2 – Sunday 24 August 2025 (even dates only).
Even dates only: 1.30 pm.
Tickets and details: Book here on EdFringe.com.
Scottish Storytelling Centre website: https://www.scottishstorytellingcentre.com/
Instagram: @dregsedfringe
ENDS
