productions

The Things That Wait

For everyone

Filmed in The Swedish Gardens, Saltwell Park in Gateshead in September 2020, with dancers and crew who were in 'bubbles', this original work is a response to our experience this year. It is about our bodies feeling enshrined in a shell of protection, and a chrysalis like wait for freedom.

We understand why we have had to be solitary, but our physical selves are missing the possibility of touch with family and friends, as well as the company of the crowd. We wait for a new season.

In this story we meet that moment.

Our amazing collaborators have contributed the emotion behind the idea, and the performers become the story to enchanting effect. It is truth and fairytale.

Suitable for all ages.

Review by Graham Watts

Filmed in these beautiful gardens, in September, this original dance film is the company’s response to covid-19 via a surreal fairy tale for these times as strange creatures come to life from among the rocks, plants and insect life in the Swedish Gardens, awoken by the keyboard playing of a young, masked musician. Are they figments of his imagination or does his music inspire their transformation? There are some touching moments of tenderness as the natural and mineral worlds discover and explore each other.

Choreographed by Liv Lorent and the dancers - Gavin Coward, James MacGillivray, Debbi Purtill, Otto Purtill-Ritchie and Natalie Trewinnard - the beautiful score was composed and performed by 12 year-old Albie Crompton, who is also a key part of the narrative, clearly an astonishing talent for the future. The costume designs, inspired by a mix of the natural world and Doctor Who, were by Nasir Mazhar. The set was by mother nature herself! The film was shot by Vilte Balciunaite and Ben Crompton; edited by the former; and directed by the latter.

The film is available on Vimeo on demand for £3 to stream for a week. It’s worth it and you will be supporting a great small company, which is rightly the pride of NE England.