Play set on Scilly showing at Edinburgh Fringe
A play set on the Isles of Scilly is currently enjoying its premiere at the Edinburgh Fringe.
In Pursuit of Andromeda is the debut play from Jonathan Blakeley, an actor from Southend who now lives in London after studying acting at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York.
The synopsis for In Pursuit of Andromeda reads: 'Scilly Isles, shortly after WWI. Edward, a fisherman haunted by the war, rescues a mysterious girl floating on the morning water, singing in a language unknown to him and brings her ashore. Upon discovery, he soon learns that she isn't from Scilly, the mainland or from this world at all, but a mermaid named Annwn.
'An unbreakable bond forms between them and their fondness for one another deepens with each passing day. However, there is a growing sense of unease as reports of local people going missing from the Islands slowly begin to emerge...'
Jonathan told This is Scilly: "In Pursuit of Andromeda is my first ever written play, hopefully the first of many. Inspiration came from my love of all things fantasy, the exploration of the human experience of war, reflecting upon the life of my grandfather who fought in WWII and also the mystic behind what the Isles of Scilly are to me! A part of the UK that is geographically very different to the rest of the country, with the potential to let my creative mind wander as far and wide as I dare it to go."
He said that although he has yet to visit the islands in person, he had some "great meetings" with local historian Richard Larn OBE about the history of the Isles during the war and enjoyed his 2017 book The Isles of Scilly in the Great War.
Jonathan added that he plans to bring the play to Scilly for islanders and visitors to watch.
In Pursuit of Andromeda, starring Jonathan Blakeley and Adriana Llabrés, is directed by Lisa Milinazzo. It is showing at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe at Greenside Venues, Nicolson Square, until August 25th.
Find out more at the play's Facebook page. See some recent reviews below:
