Step into fairytale family adventure with Angus’ Dragon Quest

Monikie County Park, in Angus, where Dragon Quest will take place. Picture: Contributed

Between Wednesday 7 October and Monday Sunday 1 November, the world’s first augmented reality (AR) original storytelling performance is coming to Scotland via Monikie Country Park’s unique Dragon Quest.

During that time visitors to the park in Angus, near Dundee, can expect to walk into a living fairytale with sets, light shows and other illusions giving the impression that trolls, fairies, goblins and a variety of other magical creatures have set up camp in Monikie’s woods. The main event, though, will be the search through the trees for an ancient dragon after it has allegedly come to rest in the forest.

Created by Edinburgh-based theatre company Vision Mechanics (with help from Animation graduates from Dundee’s Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design), Dragon Quest is a unique concept that will undoubtedly be a hit with nippers and big kids too.

Dragon Quest uses augmented reality (AR) technology. Picture: Contributed

Attendees will be invited to download the specially designed Dragon Quest app and use their smartphone or tablet to access exclusive animations that will enhance the mystical experience. It’s the first time that this kind of augmented reality technology has been used in conjunction with more traditional live theatrical performances and light shows in order to add another dimension to the evening. However, the organisers are adamant that the event will be thrilling regardless of whether you bring your phone along.

Artistic Director of Vision Mechanics Symon Macintyre said, “Dragon Quest is not just about being tech-savvy. It’s a great story of romance, magic and mystery that you, as an audience, discover as you walk in the woods on an autumn evening. With or without a smartphone, Dragon Quest is an event for the whole family.”