Goodbye Dandelion-Underbelly Cowgate.

I can leave an Edinburgh Fringe show feeling any number of emotions, but rarely the heartfelt warmth that stayed with me long after Goodbye Dandelion finished yesterday afternoon.

Created by Maddie and Marcus Rice, the show focuses on an intergenerational friendship. Darcy is an enigmatic, fierce, and blunt 87 year old who is immediately adored by the audience. We experience Darcy’s life and choices through Maddie’s eyes, discovering what they learn from each other – and what we can learn from them both as they travers different stages of life.

The writing and rhythm of the show are excellent. Fluently shifting through comedy, nostalgia, sadness, and cut through with moments of fact surrounding the themes of life, death, and dandelions. The audience is suspended in truthfully emotive moments, but the story and performers never wallow in it as a moment of gentle humour moves us on.

The whole piece is underscored by Marcus playing the piano, which is used deftly to create an atmosphere, draw us into the moment, and snap us back out again as the story requires. Singing is also used to bring audience and performers together through communal moments of singing and laughter.

Right from the start, Maddie and Marcus make the audience feel included and important. They are confident, relaxed, and purposeful on stage, making it seem easy. This speaks to the storytelling ability, attention to detail, and performance level, which they both clearly have. As well as a commitment to the experience of the audience. It felt spontaneous and new – like we were the first people that Maddie had told this story to.

I could have sat and listened for much longer. However, I didn’t need to. Darcy’s voice and what Maddie learnt will stay with me long after the show has finished. And now I will always consider, when looking forward to determine what comes next in my life, how I will feel about it or when I look back and reflect. Thank you, Darcy.