The Original Saga
Valhalla Is Calling
Valhalla is Calling follows the Eriksons of Holm as they confront growing unrest in a struggling village, sparked by the prisoners taken back by Astrid in her recent raids.
The Story
When Astrid, the eldest daughter of the Erikson family, returns from her latest raid on England with prisoners in tow, tensions begin to rise within the village. Among the captives is a priest, a presence that unsettles many. He stands as a living reminder of foreign beliefs and rival gods.
Freydis, the middle sister and the village healer, is tasked with healing the prisoners so they may be sold as thralls to the highest bidders. Yet with the raiders’ safe return comes something more personal: she must confront a part of her past she has long tried to bury.
Alva, the youngest, is restless with curiosity about the world beyond the sea. Still too young to join the raids, she has only just begun her training and is determined to prove herself a true Vikingr, like her siblings Astrid and Skaga.
To celebrate the warriors’ return, the Jarl hosts a grand feast. Beneath the laughter and revelry, however, something darker begins to stir. By morning, a close friend of the Erikson family is found dead. Fear spreads quickly through the village, and suspicion takes hold. Who is responsible, and why?
The Eriksons believe they know the answer, but they have no proof. Not yet.
Soon after, Skaga returns from a diplomatic mission with good news for the Jarl, and it seems fortune may be turning. But Skaga is ambitious, and his sights are set higher. With the Jarl’s influence waning, he begins to set his plans in motion to secure his family’s future.
Writer, Director and Co-Producer
Iona Reid
Writer, Director and Co-Producer
Iona Reid
“Hey, I’m Iona and I’m the writer, director and co-producer of Valhalla is Calling. I’m an actor and drama teacher. I came back up to Aberdeen from London in 2020 after achieving a First Class (Hons) in Drama and Theatre Arts. I am passionate about sharing what I have learned with aspiring actors and those who love theatre whenever I can. There are more acting opportunities up here now than when I was younger, but it still has a way to go, so if I can contribute in any way to developing it further, I’ll be very proud to have played a part in that. Whilst studying in London, my teachers strongly advocated creating your own opportunities. That mindset has stayed with me, and I’m currently completing a video editing course after getting into videography and editing for Highland Paranormal, as well as working on actors’ showreels.”
The Play Origins
Having enjoyed writing scripts and monologues throughout my life, I began to create material for my students, some of which have been used in student productions and local shows. As I explored writing more, I wanted to further develop my understanding and technique, so I embarked on a writing course last year, which is where the first iteration of V.I.C was born.
If I hadn’t gone down the route of performing arts, I would’ve loved to be a history teacher, as it was my second favourite subject at school, specifically the medieval period. So I thought, why not combine them both and make a historical fantasy play.
When I first heard “Valhalla Calling” by Miracle of Sound, something resonated deeply within me, and I could envision an entire world, its characters and its events forming in my mind. Granted, it has changed a lot since its original draft as a short film, but the core characters, events and themes remain the same throughout.
It’s evident to me now more than ever that kindness and compassion matter in an increasingly uncertain world. We should strive to do what is right, regardless of what others think. This is something I’ve believed for as long as I can remember, and which V.I.C seeks to explore.
But enough about me and the origins of the play. There are some very special people I’d like to thank:
Tee, Eithne, Chris, Praj, Brian, Luke, Jari
Thank you for your endless support and love over the years. Without you, V.I.C wouldn’t be nearly as good as it is today.
And a special thank you to my partner, my parents and my friends for believing in me when I didn’t. You are my light when times are dark.
The other person
Anna Lastname
The other person
Anna Lastname
“Hey, I’m Iona and I’m the writer, director and co-producer of ‘Valhalla is Calling’. A bit about me: I’m an actor and drama teacher. I came back up to Aberdeen in 2020 after achieving First Class in Drama and Theatre Arts (BA) in London. I am passionate about sharing what I have learned with aspiring actors and those who love theatre whenever I can. There are more acting opportunities up here now than when I was younger but it still has a way to go, so if I can contribute in any way to developing it further, I'll be very __. Whilst studying in London, my teachers were strong advocates creating your opportunities so I am currently completing a video editing course after getting into videography and editing for Highland Paranormal and working on actors showreels.”