Ahead of the performance of Sealskin at Lakeside Arts, author and theatre reviewer Emma Oldham speaks with Tmesis Theatre's Artistic Director, Elinor Randle, about retelling an ancient myth through movement, music and magic.
Inspired by the ancient selkie legend, Sealskin is a production from Tmesis Theatre, blending the company’s trademark physicality, puppetry, storytelling and striking projection design with live original music from acclaimed acoustic duo Me and Deboe.
At its heart lies a haunting tale of the sea: of transformation, belonging and loss. Every full moon, the selkies emerge from the waves, shedding their seal skins to dance beneath the moonlight. But when a fisherman discovers their secret and steals a skin, a betrayal unfolds, and the consequences ripple far beyond the shore.
The power of myth in a modern world
“I first read the selkie story in Women Who Run with the Wolves, a book by Clarissa Pinkola Estés celebrating wild women in myths and fairy tales,” Elinor recalls. “It’s such a beautiful legend, full of transformation and strength. I’ve always loved stories that blur the line between human and animal, especially those with powerful female voices.”
With its roots in Celtic and northern folklore, the selkie myth has countless versions across the world, wherever seals meet the sea. “At its core,” Eli says, “it’s about identity, freedom and finding where you truly belong. These are themes that feel especially vital today.”
Set in an otherworldly landscape, Sealskin explores timeless ideas of home, belonging and otherness in ways that feel profoundly relevant. “In today’s divided world, the undercurrents of this play feel incredibly current,” Eli explains. “It’s emotional, beautiful and deeply human.”
Visually breathtaking
Working with digital artist Noel Jones, the production features a vast, shimmering piece of fabric that becomes sea, sky, and story, transforming the stage into a living, breathing ocean.
“We wanted the audience to feel transported,” Eli explains. “This incredible material moves, shifts, and transforms — it becomes waves, nets and sky. It takes the audience on a real journey.”
Emotion in motion: Live music and puppetry
Music flows through Sealskin like a tide, performed live by Me and Deboe, whose harmonies and original songs create an atmospheric soundscape that fully immerses the audience.
“This collaboration has been incredible,” says Eli. “It’s so nice to work with a band that writes songs to bring that folklore and live atmosphere. Their unique sound and style add so much to the piece. We’re very lucky to have their voices and music live in the show.”
Puppetry also lies at the heart of Sealskin, bringing depth and poignancy to the story. “There was a necessity for a child in the piece,” Eli explains. “We ended up playing around with what’s left in the sea, so the child ended up being made of plastic. That was the best way to represent them — a really beautiful part of it.”
This spirit of creativity continues beyond the stage with a puppetry workshop before the performance, inviting audiences to explore Tmesis Theatre’s inventive process. “Get creative with us,” Eli encourages. “See how you can bring things to life without a lot. Have fun, have a play, and see how it inspires your own work!”
A story that speaks across generations
Performed by an international cast from Portugal, Nigeria, Spain and England, Sealskin transcends borders and languages. The result is a visceral, emotional experience that resonates across generations.
“We see people laugh, cry and connect in so many ways,” Eli shares. “That’s the power of live theatre. It’s immediate, emotional and shared.”
Sealskin is showing at Lakeside Arts on Saturday 11 October 2025. Tmesis Company will also deliver an accompanying Puppetry Workshop on the day.
