Is it worse to knock a building down or leave it to demolish itself slowly over time? Should a church have precedence over a courtroom? Is a courtroom more eloquent than a theatre? Tormented by the whispers of his conscience, a former architect tries himself over and over again, each time hoping for an acquittal. No longer sure if he was responsible for knocking down a theatre. Unable to prove whether his designs for unbuilt ghost-buildings have any bearing on the case. Uncertain of his innocence and unable to make a judgement. His memory deceives him, his witness is unreliable and his alibi is about to be bulldozed by the all-singing, all-dancing members of the jury...
who:
Talking Birds is a company of artists engaged in the transformation of spaces - both real and imagined. With a national reputation in the UK for producing "stylish and compelling" work (Independent on Sunday) across a number of disciplines, including theatre, music, film/video, digital and visual art, Talking Birds specialises in mixed-media and site-specific work. The Belgrade Theatre was the first civic Repertory theatre to be built in England after the war, and is known for its pioneering work - particularly in the areas of education and community theatre.
why:
County Hall is a building whose very particular function has been transferred into a modern building across town and now it just doesn’t fit in anymore. It is cut adrift and unsure of its purpose. No longer meting out justice and punishment. Redundant. Our play is inspired by the echoes that remain of the rituals played out in this Courtroom, and by the story of churchman, magistrate and poet John Donne’s eccentric and macabre habit of rehearsing his own death and funeral over and over again.
where:
County Hall, on the corner of Cuckoo Lane and Bayley Lane was built in 1783-4 and was used for the County Court and Quarter Sessions. The red brick part of the building was originally Governor’s House for the adjacent Trinity Lane Prison. Coventry’s last public execution - the hanging of husband-poisoner Mary Ball - took place in front of a crowd of 20,000 on Cuckoo Lane in 1849. Ball was buried in the gaol yard, now under Cathedral Lanes shopping centre.
when:
Evening performances at 8pm
Performance duration 80 minutes
Runs nightly for 2 weeks
Shoppers' midweek matinees 3.30pm (30 minute theatrical trailers)
Audience Capacity 60 in the public gallery
Age Recommendation 13+
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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Access Overview
County Hall is a listed building which has been dormant for several decades. It needs extensive structual repairs before the public could be admitted, and in its current condition is not useable as a venue. However, it remains an evocative location and, at present, limited controlled activity such as filming is possible.
There are a number of proposals for its redevelopment on the table, as well as outstanding questions as to what archaeology lies beneath it. Developers are being encouraged to retain the courtroom features in their plans.
This moment of limbo could be the ideal time for imaginative partnerships between artists, conservationists and developers.
Is there a suitable get-in to the venue/site for equipment etc?
Yes.
Is the venue accessible to wheelchair users? and if not, what would it take to make it accessible?
Not currently accessible, but any redevelopment would need to bring access fully up to 21st century/DDA standards
Are there toilets, including a wheelchair accessible toilet?
No
Is there an electricity supply?
Not connected
Are there fire exits?
Again would be addressed in any redevelopment
Is there space for bar/hospitality?
Yes
Is there space for box office/curator/front of house?
Yes
Is the venue/site family or child friendly?
Not in its current condition.
How easy is it to find the venue?
County Hall stands at the very heart of the city centre, symbolic of its former role. Adjacent to the cathedral ruins, it is anonymous apart from a heritage plaque. Its approach from the precinct is obscured by Cathedral Lanes shopping centre, but it remains a prime location in the catheral quarter. A good place also to lure shoppers, students and visitors during the day.
How easy is it to get to the venue on foot? would you want to make this journey after dark?
After dark, County Hall may be subject to the usual resevations that people have about coming in to the city at night, but a growth in cultural activity in the city centre in the evenings has to be a positive way to counter people’s preconceptions. Witness the dramatic communal cultural event of the Millennium Eve tightrope walk - where 30,000 people of all ages and backgrounds identified themselves with a cultural event in the city centre.
Is there car parking nearby?
Fairly nearby - sports centre/cathedral parking.
What might be a good interpretation solution for your show? signer?audio description? another? can it be fully integrated into the concept?
Audio descrition available via Clerk of the Court’s phones which would be built in to a section of the public gallery, mimicking the still wired in systems of the old court. A sign language interpreter performs from the stenographer’s booth.
Other information
John Russell is a local historian who has championed County Hall and its colourful past,. His website is a mine of information :
links: Talking Birds | The Belgrade Theatre | County Hall
The Virtual Fringe is © Talking Birds, each virtual project is © the artist.
