Writer Unblocked

Terror Tales of Torry

A review of “Terror Tales of Torry,” a guided walking tour by Hidden Aberdeen

Terror Tales of Torry transported the audience to a mysterious world of ghosts and sleeping shadows, an alliterative rollercoaster ride to the historic heart of Aberdeen.

From the ghostly bride on Tullos Hill to a brutal murder in 1945, the tour astounded the audience with its detail and depth. Actors joined us en route, ghosts of times gone by come back to tell their gruesome story, from a shipwrecked captain to a slain soldier.

Tour guide Dr Brown combined her kingly knowledge of the area with sublime storytelling skills: it was a treat to behold Aberdeen’s most entertaining historian in action.

The stories were at times punctuated by eerie percussion from Haworth Hodgkinson, a ghostly atmosphere ringing in the air. His music added an overtone of otherworldliness.

The actor blazed as a shipwrecked captain, the glory of seas unconquered in his voice. As a soldier, battles lost wept in his words.

During the tour, in addition to learning of its fascinating history, I appreciated for the first time the beauty of Torry: its community spirit, brave citizens, its passions … its ghosts. I will never look at Torry in the same light again. It is indeed a special part of Aberdeen.

To sum up: the tour was informative, well-researched, hugely entertaining and a unique tribute to the wonders of Torry. I thoroughly recommend Aberdeen’s Hidden Aberdeen tours. Find out more here: www.hiddenaberdeen.co.uk

A Celebration of the Creative Arts

The Aberdeen International Youth Festival: International Variety Gala (HMT, August 1 2015) delivered a sensory treat of delectable dimensions, a mental overload of molten music and dance, a new world of musical mountains and artistic avenues of bliss.

A journey of unparalleled diversity: from the musical fireworks of the Blackburn with Darwen Big Band to the haunting beauty of The Seal Lullaby (NYCoS Edinburgh Area Choir), the evening erupted with melodic lava that entranced the audience.

Julianne Ramsey transported me to an enchanted forest – where dreams can come true – with her faultless solo from the ballet Le Corsaire, poetry in every step.

The magical spell strengthened as the Ulysses Dance Company swept us in to a colourful and bewitching Midsummer Night’s Dream.

The Kiryat Ono Youth Concert Band gave a moving rendition of the theme from Schindler’s List, with the audience held in thrall by raw emotion.

The Western Arts University Ambassadors (from USA) performed the vibrant “Teaser,” leaving the audience desperate for more. Then Aeon Duo (from Finland and Mexico) unleashed the pure magic of music in a delicious medley of stunning sound.

Aeon Duo teamed with the Romanychev Brothers (from Russia) for an energetic and powerful version of La Bamba, which filled the theatre with the fervour of fun. The Romanychev Brothers then captivated the  audience with an electric Come on, Simeon!

The Kresala Basque Dance Company treated us to a vibrant traditional Basque dance, followed by Coastline who dazzled the audience with a powerful collection of folk and classical pieces.

It did not seem possible for the talent and raw beauty of Act 1 to be surpassed, but Act 2 began on a mesmerising note: a tear-wrenching rendition of Auld Lang Syne by Rory McIver with NYCoS Edinburgh Area Choir, poetry in every note.

This was followed by more beautiful Scottish music from Feis Rois National Ceilidh Trail, a teasing taste of the creative soul of Scotland.

Our senses were then accosted by the taste of a Norwegian nirvana as Stord Ungdomskor performed traditional music that filled the theatre with soulful joy.

Our minds were soothed and our hearts squeezed by a stunning rendition of Sonata no 3 in B major by Nicholas Harris.

Dramatic dance exploded before us: Fusion Youth Dance Company’s Hidden Corner, an energetic piece of cutting edge contemporary dance.

Dance was then taken to a new and exciting level by Edge ‘n Pointe (from Hong Kong), followed by a powerful musical medley from the superlative Toronto All Star Steel Orchestra.

The evening ended on a delicious high as all performers took to the stage, a talented army of youth: the artists of the future. Our minds were left ablaze with the wonder of dance and music, and our hearts afire with joyful appreciation. It was a magnificent evening from beginning to end, one not to be forgotten.