The Art of Storm-Whistling
John idolised his Uncle Max – but he disappeared at sea when John was only ten years old, and all he was left was a book of maritime folklore and a hagstone that reveals sirens and witches as their true selves.
When he’s old enough, he’s going to buy a boat, follow the treasure maps scrawled over his uncle’s book and find out the truth.
Tom Robins of Curious Roach Collective tells this story, racing through the excitement of mythical sea creatures and summoning a tempest with ill-advised pursed lips (the storm whistling of the title).
Indeed, that line from Prospero’s final monologue in Shakespeare’s play is oft quoted by Robins: ‘We are such stuff as dreams are made of’, and it’s a solid safe harbour between truth and fiction. Robins blends the two well, talking of family life and ocean navigation, then tales of child-devouring kelpies, dolphins that aren’t and other fantastical experiences – all in search of The Lighthouse.
It’s a great story, told at breakneck speed in front of a captivated audience. It might benefit from some variation in pace – at least for the audience to catch their breath, but it’s always interesting and believable.
The narrative is the show – its only props the hagstone, the book of folklore, and a ship’s mast to cling to when the storms are summoned or escaping from mythical creatures. Lighting and sound are sparse but effectively used – and it underscores the storytelling, rather than dominating.
This is a fascinating and well-told story of a boy’s own adventure into maritime folklore.
Review by Mark Wickett
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