An epic story that spans three centuries, Quiet Riot tells the story of six young people whose lives become connected through the City Gate. Beginning with a vision of Coventry in 2054, moving backwards to 1981, and concluding in 1830, Quiet Riot explores Coventry in times of crisis. As it wins architectural awards, gaps widen between the rich and the poor; unemployment and countrywide unrest soars against a backdrop of Two Tone; and a city ribbon factory is sacked as weavers are threatened by the emergence of the industrial revolution.
who:
Theatre Absolute is a multi-award-winning new writing theatre company, nationally acclaimed for its blistering productions of Car, Raw and Kid. Founded in 1992 and based in Coventry, the company commissions, produces and tours new plays which are bold, uncompromising and contemporary, and have a particular appeal to young audiences. 'Viscerally impressive' (The Independent) 'Unforgettable theatre' (Manchester Evening News)
why:
City Gate is one of the two remaining gates of the old city wall. Situated on the cusp of the ring road's busiest roundabout, a visit to City Gate captures your imagination instantly, as you find yourself caught between two cities: a city of the past and a city of the present. By allowing the tranquil surroundings of Lady Herbert's Gardens to wash over you, City Gate provokes imaginings of a time when Coventry was one of the country's most significant working towns. A glance either side of the Gate towards Millennium Place or towards the Foleshill Road, brings you back to the 21st Century with a blast, as the energy and the pulse of modern Coventry surges around you. City Gate is a perfect location to create riveting open-air theatre, with an atmosphere and a soundscape all of its own, perfect for a summer evening of theatre.
where:
Completed around 1385 and one of the few remaining parts of the City Wall, the Cook Street Gate can be approached via Tower Street or through Lady Herbert's Garden, from the Swanswell or Millennium Place. Performances will take place in the open space that surrounds City Gate.
when:
Evening performances begin at 7.30pm
Performance duration 2 hours
Runs nightly for 1 week
Audience capacity 100
Age recommendation 15 +
Venue Access Audit (carried out by the artist/producer).
This is intended as a guide for other artists and producers considering staging an event in the venue. However please note that the guidance given here is a subjective assessment of the venue as of May 2004.
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For key to symbols, see Access page
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Is there a suitable get-in to the venue/site for equipment etc?
A get in to the venue is perfectly achievable. The venue will host an open air performance, and there are no actual entrances required by audience or actors into the City Gate structure.
Is the venue accessible to wheelchair users? and if not, what would it take to make it accessible?
The venue is fully accessible for wheelchair users.
Are there toilets, including a wheelchair accessible toilet?
There is space in the surrounding area to provide portable toilets.
Is there an electricity supply?
An electricity supply could be taken with permission from the nearby Royal Warwickshire club, in Tower Street.
Are there fire exits?
Because of the open air, emergency evacuation would be easily managed.
Is there space for bar/hospitality?
The open space spreading towards Lady Herbert's’ Garden, and an expanse of open grass towards the Royal Warwickshire club leaves plenty of space for bar and hospitality areas.
Is there space for box office/curator/front of house?
Box office space could be provided by installing a portable box office cabin.
Is the venue/site family or child friendly?
The venue is both family and child friendly.
How easy is it to find the venue?
City Gate is easy to walk to from the city centre
How easy is it to get to the venue on foot? would you want to make this journey after dark?
Usual reservations about Coventry after dark would affect people’s decision to walk to City Gate. But city ambassadors, in collaboration with CV1, could be used to guide audience members to the site.
Is there car parking nearby?
Yes - Tower Street.
What might be a good interpretation solution for your show? signer?audio description? another? can it be fully integrated into the concept?
The venue is suitable for signers, audio describers, and surtitles, but would not be suitable for a loop system.
links: Theatre Absolute | city wall and gates
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