The Vikings are coming - prepare for a spectacular audio visual theatrical performance

Published: 14 November 2018

Shetland Amenity Trust is delighted to announce that the international Follow the Vikings Roadshow is coming to Shetland on Saturday 24th November. Celebrations will begin with a Family Fun Day at the Shetland Museum and Archives from 10.30am to 4pm, followed by a unique contemporary show portraying Viking heritage in Mareel from 7.30pm.   

The spectacular touring roadshow retells the story of warrior poet, Egil Skallagrimsson, and has been performed to sell out audiences in seven countries to rave reviews where audiences have been wowed by this inspirational production.  It now comes to Shetland - crossroads of the Viking world - before travelling to Iceland and on to York for the finale in March 2019.

Artistic Director Craig Morrison has worked with artists across the world to create a dramatic and evocative production with action taking place in front of a digital backdrop of inspiring scenes from Viking times, including large scale projections of the Town Hall’s stained glass windows. A key project aim is to involve local artists at all destinations and the core cast, who hail from Sweden, Norway and Poland, will be accompanied by Hjaltibonhoga Fiddlers, and a troupe of local dancers and drummers. Dance rehearsals are underway, with local dance co-ordinators Jenny Teale and Molly Williams working with the Roadshow’s Norwegian choreographer, who will arrive in the week of the performance to take the dancers through an intensive rehearsal schedule. 

Follow the Vikings Project Manager, Helen Smith said: “I really want the local audience to come along to this event, which will be a once in a lifetime opportunity to see a show of this size and stature come to Shetland.  Prepare yourself for what will be an immersive and experiential show – one not to be missed!”

An outreach programme runs alongside each roadshow and in Shetland, staff from Shetland Amenity Trust and York Archaeologist Trust, together with some of the international performers, will visit local schools to share knowledge about Viking heritage including storytelling and live interaction with JORVIK Viking Centre. 

Learning continues in Shetland Museum and Archives where Discover the Vikings Family Fun Day includes the opportunity to interact with a Viking in JORVIK and listen to sagas from Thomas Olsen, otherwise known as ‘King of the Vikings’. Make-up artist for the roadshow, Babs Clubb, will hold a “Go Berserk!” makeup workshop to encourage you to release your inner Viking and get in character for the evening performance!  There will be drop-in craft stalls, storytelling and coin-making in the Boat Hall and you can meet some of the Shetland Amenity Trust’s experts to learn about Viking textiles, toys, Viking Unst and place-names. 

For more information and to book tickets for the Roadshow, visit Mareel's website or phone 01595 745500 and for the Discover the Vikings Family Fun Day at the Shetland Museum and Archives visit their website or phone 01595 695057.  People attending the Roadshow, which lasts for just over an hour, should be aware that it is a standing event.