Caves were crucial to human cultural evolution and still form an important part of our mythologies. Through storytelling and music, this show weaves together anecdotes from modern caving with other tales, old and new, dealing with darkness, grief, and loss. Reflecting on how much we seem now to undervalue ritual, the show argues for its importance in our lives, not least in finding closure. The narration is strong, with good variations of pace and tone, and the music excellent. However, little use was made of an invitation to the audience to think of our own losses, big or small, and the time consciously allocated to the minute detail of the main story detracted from the ambition to address larger themes.

Summerhall, until 25 Aug.
tw rating 3/5 | [Alan Cranston]