Ground-breaking illusionist Scott Silven to return to Edinburgh's Traverse 3 with sell out virtual experience

Scott Silven

The Journey, an evening of ‘extraordinary illusions and mesmerising events’ was first championed by the Cambridge Street venue towards the end of last year, when it sold out every performance. Written by Rob Drummond and based on an original story by Silven himself, the piece is an interactive, immersive, live production that captures an extraordinary landscape, powerful connection and a unique moment in time inspired by Silven's return to his home in rural Scotland where he found himself in a place from his childhood that was, all at once, unfamiliar.

Silven​ explains, "​The Journey is a love letter to​ ​Scotland​. ​This is a show about home, place, and the power of connection in these fragmented times.​ ​My​ ​creative team and I have crafted groundbreaking technology and woven it through the story and illusions to allow the audience to capture a moment in time​ ​where we can truly share in the impossible together.​"​

Reflecting on concepts of home, place and connection, The Journey is a timely digital experience exploring isolation and how it can positively affect our futures.

With ​a maximum of just 30 guests per show,​ guests will travel from ​their​ living room to Silven’s home​ and then, through their digital device’s camera, microphone and headphones​, engage with a long-forgotten story​ during which they will be able to interact directly with the illusionist.

​During the show most audience members will be called on to participate in the show by talking about an object or answering one of his questions, although you can opt-out of participating if you prefer.

​Before the show itself, ticket holders will receive an email with a link to discover special advance content​ ​to prepare​ you​ for The Journey. ​To experience the show fully, ​each individual will need their own iPad, desktop, or laptop computer with a webcam, microphone, and headphones – the show doesn​'​t work on mobiles​ or ​smartphones. ​Audience members are also asked to have two pieces of paper, a thick black sharpie pen and a family heirloom, perhaps a piece of jewellery or oddity, handy as they view the show.

Linda Crooks, ​executive producer at the ​Traverse ​adds, ​"It is truly a bewitching experience, the type of which audiences​ ​will never have experienced before and beautifully showcases some of the exciting new opportunities​ ​that digital presents to storytelling, and how much more we have to explore in this area.

​"​But even​ ​more importantly, at a time when we are forced to be apart from one other, to be able to connect so​ ​deeply with Scott and other audience​ ​members around the world during the performance we​ ​are reminded that, despite everything, we are still together in spirit and can take great joy and comfort​ ​from one another​,​ and long may that continue.”

T​he Journey, Traverse 3, live streamed ​Tuesday 13-Sunday 18 April, £15​-​£25​, ​duration1 hour​, ​14+

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