Talking Birds rock bigger than Lordi
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?.