EDINBURGH 2022: DRAGONS AND MYTHICAL BEASTS Q&A

BWW catches up with Ben Galpin from Dragons and Mythical Beasts to chat about bringing the show to the 2022 Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

Tell us a bit about Dragons and Mythical Beasts.

Dragons and Mythical Beasts is a magical family show where you come face to face with an array of the most magnificent monsters and terrifying beasts ever to walk the earth! In less than 60 minutes you'll discover the secrets of the colossal Stone Troll, meet our friendly wyvern George and perhaps catch a glimpse of the mysterious forest dwelling Indrik.

I play Dave the Hero Trainer, who has been touring the world for the last 3000 years attempting to find some heroes, while living in the shadow of his father Chiron. Dave's not had much success so far (often due to dragon related accidents), but is hopeful that Edinburgh might be the place to find some champions who can pass all 6 tests set out in the Great Scroll of Heroes...

What sets it apart from other shows at the festival?

Without doubt the standout stars are our awesome puppet beasts, and the incredible team of puppeteers who bring them to life every show and the ingenious team who created them.

We've got an amazing collection of creatures of myth and legend to meet, from the adorable dream munching Baku from Japan, to our trash loving griffin Shirdal and the mighty 20 foot long dragon Juno (watch out for her tale, her claws and her venomous teeth!) Plus, we're probably the only show in Edinburgh where you might get to see the tooth fairy at work.

How has it been received so far?

We've been absolutely delighted by the reception our mythical beasts have got all around the UK so far, with lovely feedback from all ages about how much they've enjoyed the show and been blown away by the incredible puppetry.

Last year we were travelling around the UK looking for heroes in theatres big & small, this year we've had an incredible time at the Assembly Festival Gardens in Coventry as they celebrated being City of Culture. Plus, we were lucky enough to be nominated for Best Family Show in the 2022 Olivier Awards for our performances at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre.

How involved do the audience get?

Our audience (or trainee heroes!) are a vital part of the show. As Dave the Hero Trainer I get to invite a number of champions up on stage, and they each have a pivotal role in assisting Dave in a task with the incredible creatures. If we're lucky, one champion might even get a chance to meet a unicorn!

When it comes to Juno, our enormous & rather ferocious fire breathing dragon, we'll need the help of every single person in the theatre.

Who would you recommend comes to see Dragons and Mythical Beasts?

If you've ever wanted to come within a dragon's breath of some of the fantastic creatures of myth and legend this is the show for you! Dragons and Mythical Beasts is a fantastic adventure for all the family; with kids, adults and grandparents of all ages warmly welcomed.

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