You Once Said Yes, Look Left Look Right’s immersive show that won a Fringe First and Total Theatre Award in 2011 when it premiered at festival, has returned this year for a limited run.
A one-on-one experience, the action takes place around the streets of Edinburgh, starting at the Underbelly box office and weaving through alleys, parks, the Royal Mile and even a bingo hall and provides a magical afternoon.
The premise is fairly simple; your journey will continue if you keep saying yes. But do you have to? I found myself agreeing to all sorts of things that I never normally would, and happily got into a car with a stranger just because he knew my name (something I wouldn’t recommend).
Along the way you’re met by various characters including a criminal on the way to a heist (should probably not have agreed to help out with that one), a clown, a mother seeking some peace and someone to listen, a corporate banker-turned gardener, a rather needy date and a businessman wanting help kicking some old dears out of a bingo hall and turning it into a strip club.
This show is definitely not for everyone. If you don’t like interacting with the performers it’s not for you. But it’s wonderfully done, and I found myself confessing all sorts of things. The part in the cathedral is truly touching, and I actually felt my heart race when confronted by an undercover police officer (definitely shouldn’t have got in that car…).
Wandering along waiting for the next person to start talking to you is exciting – convinced that everyone I saw was going to be the next actor, I almost signed up to Greenpeace thinking it was part of the show. The ending brings a lovely touch to the proceedings: I would heartily recommend taking the plunge and saying yes.
You Once Said Yes continues at Underbelly, Cowgate until 25 August
