Saturday, June 21, 2025

Review of ‘Islander’ at Olney Theatre: A Magical Musical Featuring Live Vocal Looping

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“Islander” is a modern play rooted in Scottish stories. It’s not just about old legends, but also about our own personal myths. This play has two main actors and uses special sound effects. These add to the mystery of the setting – an island losing its people.

The lead characters are Eilidh, the last teenager on the island, and a mysterious woman named Arran. Their growing friendship and stories shape the play. Live vocal looping and mixing of folk, pop, and electronica music make everything seem more real. Strange tales are unfolded – like how the island was split into two!

The play also tells the story of the islanders who must decide whether to leave their home or stay, even as it is fading away. Despite multiple character roles, the lead actors perform excellently.

“Islander” first gained fame in 2017 and has since traveled far. It talks about maintaining our roots in a rapidly changing world and the kindness we share. The poignant promise made by Eilidh and Arran to meet again, if they and the whales are still around, leaves us with hope.


Vocabulary List:

  1. Scottish (adjective): Related to Scotland or its people.
  2. Legends (noun): Traditional stories passed down through generations.
  3. Mystery (noun): Something that is difficult to understand or explain.
  4. Teenager (noun): A person aged between 13 and 19 years old.
  5. Folk (noun): Traditional music and stories of a community.
  6. Poignant (adjective): Evoking a keen sense of sadness or regret.

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