Blodlina: The Viking Musical continues at the Pleasance Dome (King Dome), Edinburgh until 29 August 2022 (not Wednesdays).
Star rating: four stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ✩
This new company, VNM Musicals, began talking about the potential to create an original show based on Norse mythology back in 2019. Between them, Marcus Wood (composer and co-lyricist), Nathan Rees (book and co-lyricist) and Vicky Clubb (orchestrator and arranger) used the period of lockdown to develop this other world and the characters who live in Birka.
The show opens with the leader of Birka’s funeral and his discordant daughters squabbling over how best to lead the community after their father’s death. As the elder of the pair, Magnhild (India Shaw-Smith) claims the title over Ingrid (Kathryn Taylor-Gears).
In a powerful duet as both voices and the onstage band duel out the scene, it’s clear that this is a show with an edge. And not just because of the heavy rock style of the music. The pace and clarity of the story are excellent. In the space of the hour, we witness not only the story of the battle for power but the jeopardy as Jarl Omund (Ed Tunningley) battles to take Birkai and make it part of his kingdom. Tunningley has a commanding presence and voice – both used to great effect.
As a foil to these darker plotlines, what at first seem like naughty musicians take centre stage and lighten the mood as effectively as any Shakespearean fool of the day. Their identities are revealed as Loki (Nathan Rees) and Thor (Marcus Wood) who are both are under the eye of their mother, played by Halldora Thoell.
As is the way in many Norse tales, there is death, tragedy and rather a lot of sword fighting – all expertly performed, particularly by India Shaw-Smith and Tunningley.
Blodlina is certainly worth an hour of anyone’s time – but especially if Vikings, sword fighting, or a rock score appeal. The score matches the text very well. If anything the text/book needs a bit more space to spread its wings.
This exciting show is ripe to be taken to the next stage of development. Congratulations to all involved.
Fiona Orr
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