Enchanted creatures in Angus Park thanks to augmented reality

To have a walk in an enchanted forest among fantastic creatures: how many times we dreamt of this when we were little? Now we are adults and we have a possibility of making this dream true, thanks to the play “Dark Wood Dragon Quest”, the first theatrical event with augmented reality elements of UK.

In fact, from 7th October to 1st November in the Monikie Country Park of Angus, Scotland, it will be possible to take part to this incredible event: downloading an app on their smartphones, the participants will be able to walk in the park, lighten up and decorated for the occasion, among fantastic creatures as fairies, goblins and trolls thanks to augmented reality. Basically, focusing on the various parts of the wood, it will be possible to see and take pictures of magical creatures and then to share them on social media with family and friends. All this is part of a wider story: the participants, through clues and solving puzzle and riddles, will have to find the ancient Dragon.

The app was ideated by Vision Mechanics and created with the help of of animation graduates from Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design, Dundee, who took 3D models and placed them in the real world thanks to the augmented reality technology; anyway, the show will be enjoyable even for those who don’t have a smartphone, as even Symon Macintyre, Vison Mechanics’ artistic director, said: “We were keen to tap into local talent to develop the technology side of things but, even without a smartphone or tablet, audiences will be able to enjoy a whole host of impressive, interactive physical installations and lots of traditional, theatrical creations to see and explore on the night.”

This event will be for sure one of the most anticipated events in UK, and also Jim Clarkson, regional partnerships director at VisitScotland, seems pretty enthusiastic: “Every year, Angus welcomes visitors from all across the globe but I’m certain this is the first time we’ve played host to so many different mythical creatures.”

We are enthusiastic as well: we can’t really wait to have a peek to the pictures of the play!