Jake Oldershaw

25/7 from Talking Birds hit the ground running last night after only a brief rehearsal period and numerous problems with venues. The plan was to do the show in the top floor of a disused tower block overlooking Coventry station but it seems vast insurance costs put pay to that (twice) and the show has found a home in the Priory Place development.

Not that this mattered a bit, the show could stand up easily on stage with a great cast, well written and well scored.

It's amazing how often 'site-specific' theatre relies on novelty value to paper over the cracks of a lack-lustre show. If it's not all that good at least you've had a good nose around some nuclear bunker or victorian asylum...The proximity of the audience/performer can either be exhilerating or excrutiating depending on your perspective/level of embarrasment.

As the narrative of the show was written, based around and probably inspired by being at the top floor of a tower block it was impossible not to think how it could have been if it had gone ahead in the original location. But this by no means detracted from the enjoyment of the show and the magic of doctor theatre took over.

Go see if you can, it's on til Saturday 27th May details at

http://www.talkingbirds.co.uk
and http://www.fiercetv.co.uk

Speaking of Fierce i couldn't help get a bit offended by this statement from Mark Ball, the festival director.

“When I started Fierce!, my ambition was to have 50% of the programme coming from local artists within 5 years. This didn’t happen, simply because the work wasn’t there."

It's not really very politic to criticize a hand that might feed you but this is a bit of an insult. In 2001 I perfomed a show 'Come Midnight I'm Gone' during fierce for no fee (we payed out ourselves for the show). He didn't introduce himself or thank us for being part of the festival.

In 2002 I invited Mark to see a r&d show, 'One More Today', with regard to developing it during fierce. He didn't come.

Writing this down seems to solidify any animosity i might feel about it. I've developed some kind of relationship with fierce now whereby they've endorsed projects that i've recieved funding for. Nothings worth losing sleep (or potential collaborations) over, and the fierce programme is looking stronger than ever.

Just thought that was a bit cheeky, i wonder how many other local companies might?.

Posted by Jake at 09:46 AM | Permalink

So the Midland Aquaphiliacs has made its appearance at BAC again. The shows were billed as world premiere which was pretty funny.

It's even been reviewed already - kind of harsh but they call it a play so i'm not sure they get the right end of the stick anyway. Check it out here, see what you think

http://www.britishtheatreguide.info/reviews/midaqua-rev.htm

It's nice that they came really.

I was pretty happy with the show. There's so much stuff that doesn't leave you with anything to hold on to about the world and your place in it, I'm happy to sacrifice a few theatre tricks, tied up loose ends, whatever, for something that i believe has a humanity and spirit that is worth sharing.

Meanwhile Arsenal were busy losing to Barca on wednesday. Was gutted to miss it but pretty glad when the outcome must have been such excruciating viewing. At least Thierry Henry is staying with the gooners - i'm not sure it was ever in that much doubt.

I'm back on the island now - it's fantastic, wild seas, spring bursting out everywhere, taking the opportunity to get out there before a hectic month for Stan. The rice as it's known in stanland visits Milan, Newcastle for the world culture conference, and Cork at the Triskell Arts Centre.

All that and a very fine month of World Cup football in store is quite i nice prospect.

Don't forget Intimate Histiory visits Lichfield Festival July 8/9. Website is here - http://www.lichfieldfestival.org

Thanks again to anyone who came along to the show at BAC. Any comments very welcome - your pictures will be along soon.

J

Posted by Jake at 04:28 PM | Permalink