Birmingham put on a free performance of The Voyage in the city centre over 4 nights this weekend. It was rained off on Thursday- but we managed to watch a slightly 'damp' performance on Saturday evening. It was advertised as being part of the UK's 12 week Olympic celebrations. The torch comes to Brum next weekend. We were given stickers 'I'm part of the Cultural Olympiad' as we arrived.
It was light rain- and the tight rope walker was testing the feel of the 'rope' for a while before he walked across. I was absolutely fascinated watching him before the show. There is no way I could even climb the 'tower' - let alone try to walk across a wire that high in the air!!!!!! They had a mock up of a ship infront of the Town Hall. A band made it way over to the ship THROUGH the crowd- then a parade of dancers and acrobats carried cases on the shoulders of other performers through the audience again. The lighting was absolutely amazing- different effects transformed the mock up into a 'real' boat. They went through a storm and it went under water- then these ghostly figures came through the crowd in a clear 'zorbing' ball!!!!!!!! We were one person back from this- so very close.
There were dancers and acrobats playing the passengers and crew- and carrying the suitcases at the finale.
They all lit torches for the last scene and it was really effective. It was a real pleasure to be able to experience and participate in an extremely professional show that was put on entirely free. It was nice to be part of a crowd enjoying something together. Even the parking was free (this time- got a parking ticket last Sunday!).
I can't wait to go and see the torch come through Birmingham. It's actually stopping overnight here- so there will be a beacon for the flame.
So this was a bit of pleasure this weekend!!!!!
It looks like it was fantastc. Glad you could attend !
ReplyDeleteOh that looks just a brilliant thing to be part of Kim. What a great summer celebration we are all having :)xxx
ReplyDeletethat does look really good and i am a bit sad that we decided against going into town...
ReplyDeletethe torch comes right past our street on saturday, so we will be seeing that and then head into town to have a look at all the fun there... will the torch be in birmingham on sunday then? it would be nice to make it in for that but i bet the parking will be horrendous...
The torch is leaving Birmingham very early on Sunday morning and heading south. I was hoping to see it over by my parents- but my nieces dance show clashes!
DeleteThis is a great experience! Real pleasure for me was to see and read about this event.
ReplyDeleteDear Kim, thank you - you make us part of it.
I like very much your photos.
Kim, that sounds just great, and I know what you mean about being part of enjoying something in a crowd..so glad you parked okay this time(!) You are lucky too to be close to so many events, in our eck of the woods it's 3 hours to Bristol before you really arrive in the rest of the country! x
ReplyDeleteI would love to live where you live though!!!!!
DeleteKim are you in Birmingham? We have friends in Hednesford nr Cannock we visit a couple of times a year!
ReplyDeleteWell done being so close and seeing such a professional show free too.
I am afraid I hate crowds so won't go into Hastings to see the torch on the 17th July. At least that is what I say at the moment!!
Yes- I live on the outskirts of the city centre. It's less than 10 mins on a quiet day by car! I was born in the countryside- and would love to live in a village again one day. But I have also become a townie now!
DeleteI hate crowds too- but Saturday was nice to be a part of it! I did have the opportunity to hold an Olympic torch a few months ago outside my office- but didn't want to wait after I finished work. I really wish I had now!
looks like you had a great time.
ReplyDelete