Murder is on the Menu
Anthony Gough • 30 September 2019
For their not so festive production Engage2Stage are working on developing a murderous and mysterious tale where the audience become the detectives. One murderous act, nine potential suspects and only one question who did it?
For this years festive or perhaps not so festive production Engage2Stage will be presenting a tale of succulent sabotage, delicious deceit and so much tantalising tension that it will tickle the taste buds. If you haven't guessed by now we are working on a murder mystery set in a restaurant. The victim, a selfish and arrogant restaurant owner and chef who treats his staff like dirt and serves up food that has the look and smell of vomit.
Guided by our facilitator Elizabeth Wainwright, our members will work with the text to create integrated audio description. This will be made possible through the introduction of a character who will act as a narrator of the piece, whilst also highlighting visual elements of performance which may or may not provide clues for our audience detectives. Many of the clues to this who done it tale, will be embedded within the dialogue. The remainder of the clues will be handed out to the audience in a evidence pack which will be provided in both large print and Braille formats.
Throughout the project our members will learn the processes of working with text, from line learning to blocking on stage. This will go alongside a series of workshops and rehearsals that will aim to build confidence in areas such as vocal delivery, movement, line learning, physical theatre and character building.
This project was made possible with support and funding from the Bury Pitch Fund and Forever Manchester.
Everyone has a story to tell. Using the format of workshop sessions and rehearsals a group of visually impaired people will tell their own stories to form a project called ‘Our Journey Home.” In their own words each person will tell a story about a journey they have undertaken, either physically, mentally or emotionally. While doing this, participants will explore the art of storytelling in a succinct and enjoyable way both for themselves and the recipient of that story. They will learn about different methods of storytelling, both individually and in a group as an ensemble and how these two methods of working differ. This project provides a chance for each individual to tell their own story from their own perspective and in their own voices. A multi-background, multi-generational ensemble ensures a variety, a richness and a depth to each story. Along the way participants will each explore their cultural background, their influences, their inspirations and their aspirations. Whilst everyone has their story to tell and will be encouraged to find a sense of self, no one will be isolated or alone in the sharing and telling of their story, which will be told with the support of the ensemble around them, creating a sense of unity. Throughout the project, workshops will contain guided vocal exercises that enhance performers abilities to project and enunciate. Acting exercises will enhance the participants abilities to improvise, deliver stories and work in a team. Over time these exercises are also used to build confidence. These workshops will be led by trained theatre professionals that specialise in a variety of fields such as vocal coaching, movement and physical theatre, improvisation and character development. These workshops will culminate in a production held at the Met Theatre in Bury. This project has been made possible through funding from the National Lottery Community Fund and the Bury Cultural Champions Fund.
As part of a number of events celebrating the life and work of the late Victoria Wood, Engage2Stage have been invited to take part in a summer showcase event on 13th July at the Met Theatre. The event entitled 'As seen at the Met' will see four performing arts groups come together to showcase their work inspired by the comedy icon. Met Express, Bury Youth Theatre, Aiming High and Engage2Stage will share the stage for the first time in an event that's not to be missed. Engage2Stage will present their take on Victoria Woods iconic song the Ballad of Barry and Freda (Let's do it). In their take on the comedic song each section of the song will feature a different Barry and Freda before coming together to sing a jubilant final chorus. As Seen... At the Met takes place on Saturday 13th July at the Met, Bury. For more details and to book tickets please click here.
