Paradise on banks of the River Tyne

Jun 16 2009 By Sam Wonfor, The Journal

A walk along the banks of the Tyne at dusk may already sound like a lovely prospect. But this summer a theatre company are promising to make it a truly Beautiful Journey. Sam Wonfor reports.

But although there will be distinct and separate influences on the respective productions, the basic narrative will remain the same... Bill is happy to provide a synopsis.

"The show is set in the near future at a time when something devastating has happened," he says.

"We’re never really precise about of what that is, but it has meant that people have had to leave their homes.

"Where the audience will come into is a haven. It’s a place for people who can’t go home and they’re looking for something. Queen Kalypso runs this place and tries to make it a paradise. She’s generous, she gives them everything … as long as they never leave." With the story requiring the creation of a paradise-of-sorts, choosing the location was key. But that’s not unusual for Wildworks.

"Part of getting an idea of the scale comes from looking at the site. When we first came I was really keen to work from Swan Hunters, but that didn’t end up happening," says Bill.

Oceana in Davy Bank in Wallsend, with its rich shipbuilding heritage on the banks of the River Tyne, was finally settled on.

"Nearly every place we’ve worked has very different but very powerful history that people are proud of... whether that be a shipyard or a former department store," says Bill.

"At the time we work there, they have an uncertain future which people are nervous about. We always work over dusk for exactly the same reasons. It’s a quite magical time."

The South West version the Beautiful Journey has been delighting sell-out audiences as well as critics who have offered more than the odd four star review. Every night hundreds of people have been welcomed into Queen Kalypso’s unsettling world which features all the aforementioned magic and a lot more besides … some of which can’t be predicted.

"What’s unique about the way we work is that as we develop the story, we can only rehearse about half of it because the other half is brought in two different ways," explains Bill.

"We work in all the volunteers we’ve met – adding something absolutely particular from this area, . and then there’s the audience who bring the other part.

"What we’re looking for is not participation from the audience, but a profound involvement."

But if you want to make more of a contribution, there’s still time.

As well as a professional cast, the show also features a choir, made up of local singers, who help provide the production’s soundtrack.

Natalie says: "You don’t have to have any experience or the voice of an angel – enthusiasm and commitment are what we crave. We don’t expect anyone to commit to performing every night, just when they can."

There are still rehearsals to go along to: June 24, July 1, July 6 and July 20 are the dates for you diary. All the rehearsals will be taking place at the Pametrada Arts Centre, Wallsend from 7-9pm and will be led by local singer/songwriter Beccy Owen.

There will then be a number of rehearsals including a dress rehearsal in the run up to the show. Email nataliequerol@theemptyspace.org.uk if you’re interested in taking part.

A co-commission with Theatre Royal Plymouth, The Beautiful Journey makes up part of culture10’s world class programme of festivals and events.

Stella Hall, creative director of culture10 said: "One of the highlights of our landscape and heritage themed programme for this year, The Beautiful Journey celebrates the North East’s shipbuilding heritage in a very contemporary and visually stunning way.

"It has also provided an exciting opportunity for hundreds of local people to get involved in contributing their stories to a groundbreaking theatre event.

"Having wowed audiences and critics in Devonport, The Beautiful Journey North East will be different and distinct but promises to deliver an equally impressive and truly unique experience, set against the backdrop of the River Tyne."

Ray Spencer, executive director of The Customs House, which has supported the community involvement in the North East production said: "This is a stunning piece of epic theatre; this allegory brings together communities in celebration of the heritage which has formed their collective character and unifies them to overcome the future and current challenges of today."

And if that doesn’t convince you… I went to see it in Devon and thought it was pretty damn good too.

Tickets are on sale for the performances which run from July 28 until August 8. Call the Customs House box office on (0191) 454-1234 to book.