Water Fools By Ilotopie - Central Forest Park, Hanley

On Friday I photographed a spectacular piece of theatre that took place on a lake!

It was also very challenging because it couldn't start till after sunset and we were in the middle of a summer rain storm - but these are the challenges that you get faced with when you are photographing live events that are site specific. 

From the Appetite website:

"Appetite presents Water Fools by ilotopie an outstanding outdoor show performed entirely on the lake at Central Forest Park. A spectacle like no other, this show sees performers walking on water, floating cars, bikes, and beds, astonishing original music and a frenzy of fireworks all combining to create a dreamlike and visually stunning performance which, for this very special evening, transforms a lake into a stage.
 
Water Fools is full of beautiful and extraordinary moments that you’ll never forget. Dip into the unusual with a splash of the unexpected, as visiting company ilotopie flood your senses with this once in a lifetime experience set against the unique backdrop of Central Forest Park."

Theatre Photography : Anna of the Five Town - New Vic Theatre

On the 150th anniversary of Arnold Bennett the New Vic Theatre in Stoke-on-Trent mounts a new adaptation of his most famous novel adapted by Deborah McAndrew.

Directed by Conrad Nelson it's a lovely version of the book that uses not only a cast of professional actors but members of a local community choir - The Phoenix Singers - to populate the stage and add a musical accompaniment.

" Anna Tellwright’s 21st birthday brings with it newfound responsibilities, wealth and a suitor for her heart.

Courted by desirable bachelor Henry Mynors, Anna struggles to gain her independence. She finds herself torn between trying to please her tyrannical father and a desire to help young Willie Price and his family from the brink of ruin.

As pressure mounts, tragedy strikes, and Anna must discover where her heart truly lies before it’s too late. "

Rehearsal Photography : Mighty Atoms - Hull Truck Theatre

With Hull being the 2017 City of Culture there is a lot of attention being directed o the North East of England. I was lucky enough to go along to Hull Truck to photograph rehearsals for the third part of the Hull Trilogy - Might Atoms by Amanda Whittington.

I've photographed the preceding two parts of the Trilogy - Dancing Through The Shadows & The Gaul - and it's great to complete the cycle.

From the theatre website:

"In a struggling pub on one of Hull’s toughest streets, ex-pro boxer Taylor Flint runs a women’s boxercise class. For Lauren, Jazz, Aneta and Grace the class is much more than a way to lose weight and have a laugh – they’re fighting the grinding challenges of everyday life.

When the pub is threatened with closure, the women agree to be part of an unlicensed fight night to raise money and rally the community. They’re ready to prove themselves in a world that shows them little respect, but Taylor knows that once the gloves are on, the real test will be going toe to toe with friends and neighbours.

Inspired by Hull’s original Mighty Atom, Barbara Buttrick, this new play by award-winning writer Amanda Whittington (Ladies Day, Be My Baby, Amateur Girl) pulls no punches."

Here's a quick peek at rehearsals in progress - I'm looking forward to popping back in a couple of weeks for the dress rehearsal...