A review of Bee Babylon: Once Upon a Time in Iceland, Fringe 2022

Well, folks, the Festivals are back, and because you have to start somewhere, I started with a gig on a bus about an ill-fated historic trip to Iceland.

I enjoyed it!

I had indulged overmuch hours before at the Foodies Festival in Inverleith, about 40 or so minutes walk from the BlundaGardens, and the BlundaBus felt like a suitably fitting humble venue.

I can confirm this is an actual bus. Go through the underpass by Potterrow, and as you walk out into the daylight, with Potterrow behind you, the bus is there to your left. Someone may try and sell you a sausage.

Iceland, wow

I had no idea Iceland had been so impactful on Europe. Once Upon a Time in Iceland features a time not-so-stellar in the country’s history.

Bee says they don’t like to talk about it much in Iceland. I sat next to two travellers from Iceland who knew little of the story but agreed with the weather report.

Cancer survivor Bee Babylon used her lockdown to recover from surgery and read a nearly 200-year-old book about a trip to Iceland. I’m pleased she survived (both) and delighted to receive this humourous retelling. In a way, it’s also a look at 200-year-old Edinburgh through the eyes of the Scottish adventurers.

Bee’s retelling is a delight, a little rough and ready at times, but as we’re reminded, the show is a work in progress. If that means it’ll only get better, then I think the legend of it will surely grow. Shame Bee’s only at the bus for a few days.

Overall

See Bee and listen to Once Upon a Time in Iceland if you can.

It’s upstairs on a bus, so you might not be able to because it’s not accessible. Bee’s only there for a few days.