Presented by Leo Lion

Review by Laurie Kimmett

Studio at theSpace @ Niddry St

Leo Lion is a master flyerer. Their schtick changes yearly, and is always tied cleverly to their show. Last year, they didn’t speak a word to promote ‘Help Me!’, a show about a mime holding a seance. This year, they skulk around the Royal Mile, hiding under a wide brimmed hat and not promoting their show, I Was Never Here. 

Lion plays a spy who has had their memory wiped and needs the audience’s help to regain their memories and unravel the secret of the mysterious boxes surrounding them. What follows is a romp through the alphabet and a lot of shouting and puzzle-solving from the crowd, while Lion deftly guides the room through a story of betrayal, secrets, and longing. With a (literal) ticking clock, a big red button temptingly labelled ‘Do Not Press’, and a search for essential key cards, this is a real treat to watch.

It is interesting to see Lion at work, as they identify as a game creator as well as a theatre maker. This gamification of theatre is apparent in their work, and is something they are clearly incredibly skilled at. I Was Never Here is a choose-your-own adventure piece of theatre, with hundreds of different paths to be chosen and even the chance to fail at the mission. Lion is the perfect captain for this complex maze of options – hilarious, warm, and perpetually in character while also never belittling anyone for their way of solving things. Their passion is palpable and infectious, and the huge amount of creativity required to even conceptualise a show like I Was Never Here is evident. If there was anything to have a slight issue with, it’s that the vast number of paths available means that the message and emotion of the show can get slightly murky at times. 

A highlight of the show is a beautifully poignant moment that explores the idea of memory and longing for what was once had. Lion navigates this change in atmosphere with delicacy and skill. It would be easy to see how an abrupt emotional change could feel jarring in a show as playful as this, but it never does. Whether it’s the skill of the performer, the brilliant writing that brought us here, or both – I Was Never Here is a triumph. 

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