Review: Banshee's Luck

**Picture (L to R)**: James Mackay (Haemon Cyriel), Josh Hagemann (Orla), and Michael Law (Prince Darrow II). *Image credit: Creative Futures Photography.*

Andrew Gillanders (Producer, Playwright and Ælis) introduces Banshees Luck as ‘A Beggar’s Life for a Beggar’s Wish. Step into the fae-realm of Brianna Bodil Banshee. It’s a world between worlds where the fate of Beggars is determined both by the roll of the dice and the will of a Jury. Here the rules are fluid, and the outcome is never certain. Each decision made by you, a humble Juror, carries the potential to tip the balance in favour of a damned soul. The sands of fate may be earned, and these may weigh the scales, but only those who prove their worth will earn the chance.’

Intrigued? I was. And, having seen this excellent new work, I was also impressed at the development of a coherent tale as a piece of immersive theatre that really captures audience members’ imagination.

Banshees Luck is as Gillander describes; and so much more. Developed out of the work of a group of friends who together play Dungeons and Dragons—as a social event, a board game, and a means of developing detailed fantastical stories and creating of otherworldly realms—the Eberron Campaign crew have together created an impressive piece of immersive theatre. Together with Josh Hagemann (Game Designer and Orla), and Macarra Berthaly-Martyn (Director and Banshee), Gillander has crafted a piece that deserves to have a life beyond the four premiere performances in Brisbane’s 2023 Anywhere Festival.

Without wishing to step into spoiler territory, I suggest that audience members are prompt or early, in order to benefit from Gillander’s pre-event welcome and Hagemann’s careful briefing. On entry into the performance space, my first impression was one of attention to detail: intriguing notes, puzzles, books and letters are placed around a room that features a large card table.

Following the Banshee’s welcome, the three main members of the cast then introduce themselves to the audience—and so we gradually learn more about ‘this place,’ the ‘game’ to be played, the stories that have brough each of the three beggars to the table...and the important role of the jurors. James Mackay (Haemon Cyriel), Owen Green (Pater Starlight), and Michael Law (Prince Darrow II) play their roles well—remaining impressively in character throughout their conversations with the jurors, and when called back to the fateful table. The costumes are on-point (including excellent Banshee make-up), accents are appropriate, and the soundtrack enhances the experience.

The 90 minutes seemed to pass very quickly. Although not an escape room as such, at the world premiere performance the audience members were increasingly keen to succeed in their quests, in order to play their part as members of the jury. I have a feeling that, if they could, many would have returned to a future performance, to see which route future jurors selected—and to spend more in the otherworldly realm created by Gillander and the Eberron Campaign crew. Here’s hoping that Banshee’s Luck returns to The Paint Factory, or to other Brisbane nooks and crannies.

Verdict: An excellent creation of a dungeons-and-dragons-meets-escape-room piece of immersive theatre.

Catherine Lawrence

**Picture**: Banshee’s Luck. *Image credit: Creative Futures Photography.*

Audience tip: Banshee’s Luck (19-20 May, 2023), The Paint Factory, Yeronga. 90 minutes (no interval). All ages (I suggest 15+): occasional coarse or crude language, death themes, immersive, limited seating, take reading glasses if you need them. Tickets $50 (general admission). Free street parking available.

The reviewer attended the world premiere performance (5pm, Friday 19 May, 2023).

Geoff Lawrence