The Snow Goose takes flight
Thu, 22 Dec 2011 13:42:00 GMT
A GROUP of graduates in music technology have teamed up with theatre experts to create a new, ultra-atmospheric form of storytelling using advanced technology which could light up historic venues around the country. And the team’s latest project – a unique version of Paul Gallico’s much-loved “The Snow Goose” – features the voice of famed actor and University of Huddersfield Chancellor Sir Patrick Stewart.
Although the new style of performance is based on the tradition of son et lumière – a combination of sound and lighting effects – the team behind “The Snow Goose” take the techniques to a new, highly sophisticated level, using computer technology to combine lighting, music, special effects and a recorded narration.
The production makes its debut at the historic All Hallows’ Church, Almondbury, near Huddersfield, on Monday 2 January and runs on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays until the 21st.
It was at Almondbury Church in 2010 that a son et lumière was presented which told the long story of the church and its village. The vocal talents of top actors Timothy West, Prunella Scales and Gorden Kaye were featured and the technical expertise of music technology students at the University Campus Barnsley (UCB) – part of the University of Huddersfield – was utilised.
The performance was such a success – drawing a total audience of 2,000 – that the team behind it, including producer James Sykes and Richard Wood, who helped to co-ordinate the project, decided to develop the concept. Paul Gallico’s “The Snow Goose” – a heart-tugging drama set during WWII and the Dunkirk evacuation – was ideal for its strong story and family appeal.
UCB students Michael Gaughan, William Price, Alex Wright, Stephen Anders and Josh McLelland (pictured) were keen to come on board as a way of using their new-found expertise in a range of computer-controlled sound and lighting techniques and the production began to take shape. A special coup was to secure an introductory narration recorded by Sir Patrick Stewart.
The possibilities of the new medium are so exciting that the students – most of whom have now graduated – have teamed up with Richard Wood to form Atmos Productions, a not-for-profit company. It is hoped that “The Snow Goose” will be performed in a range of atmospheric venues around the country – several have displayed a keen interest – and new projects are being devised.
Performances, which last 72 minutes, take place in a blacked-out building. Gradually, sound and lighting effects, plus specially chosen music and the recorded narration, come into play and the audience is immersed in the drama.
Among the techniques used are “moving heads” – special lighting units that project silhouette shapes around the building.
Michael Gaughan, who lives in Barnsley, is one of the students and graduates in music production and sound recording who have joined Atmos Productions and are excited by the possibilities of using the range of skills they acquired during their studies at the University Campus.
“In our field you cannot easily go and get a job straight away. You need to develop you own projects and opportunities, and this new form of performance is an ideal way for us to show what we can do”.
- “The Snow Goose”, by Paul Gallico, is presented by kind permission of Mrs Virginia Gallico and Aitken Alexander Associates. Tickets for the Almondbury performances, which begin at 7.30 pm, are £10 (with concessions available). Outlets include the Kirklees Booking office
