"Under The Mirrie Dancers" is an extended conversation between brother and sister Vaila and Ewan about their childhood experiences growing up in the remote Shetland Isles.

Set in a ferry terminal, the two come to terms with their grief over the recent loss of their mother and their complicated relationship with where they are from.

Through their recollections of early childhood memories, they take the audience on a journey of discovery on what it's like to grow up in such a remote place with all its comedic, unique characters, as well as the uglier side of being so isolated from the rest of the UK

August 24, 2023    The Scotsman

Brother and sister Vaila and Ewan are waiting for a delayed ferry back to Shetland for their mother’s funeral. In this play by young Shetland writer Juliet Mullay, the delay becomes a space to work out some tough questions about their relationship with each other, their mother, Evie, and the islands where they grew up.

Mullay and Sam Austin-Eames lead a cast of six in this Free Fringe production directed by Tom McGoldrick which also incorporates short pieces of film and Shetland music. It is an uneven piece. Some scenes work better than others, but in the best – at Ewan’s job in the care home, for example – the play truly comes alive.

As well as a place to explore complex feelings – what does it mean to grieve for someone who doesn’t deserve it? – it is about the vexed question of home. Shetland comes across vividly, less in the film clips than in Vaila and Ewan’s love-hate relationship with it. And even once they’ve stripped away the romanticism for the remoteness, starry skies, eccentric locals, the islands are still there, drawing them home. Susan Mansfield Click Here For Review