The sound of an orchestra in full flow is interrupted by an air-raid siren. The musicians down their instruments and don their fire helmets, taking to the streets of Coventry to battle with the fire-bombs. As the all-clear sounds they return to their music stands and strike up once again... All in a day's work for the members of the Coventry Hippodrome Orchestra, circa 1940.
Extraordinary Lives is a specially commissioned community opera portraying ordinary people doing an extraordinary job. It combines drama, documentary and music to spectacular effect, and connects the generation that witnessed World War II with the young citizens of the modern city, and with the musicians and fire-crew working in the region today.
who:
"The remarkable Orchestra of the Swan" (Birmingham Post) is the most dynamic and innovative chamber orchestra in the region. Giving "stirring performances" (The Guardian) the orchestra is an ensemble of possibilities. Equally at home in Symphony Hall and village halls the orchestra believes in 'Making Music and Breaking Barriers'. The Residency at Birmingham International Airport and the highly acclaimed Music of our Time and Take Note! concert series have brought the orchestra national recognition for its imaginative and thought-provoking performances.
why:
The Old Fire Station and its wartime association with the Coventry Hippodrome Orchestra inspires us to tell this part of the story of the Coventry Blitz. Our performances will breathe life back into the building, recalling of the tears, heartbreak and triumphs of the people who worked here.
where:
The Old Fire Station, by Pool Meadow, was opened in 1902, extended in 1936 and was in use until 1976. One of the few remaining Edwardian buildings in the city centre, its future uses have been much debated since then, while the structure has slowly fallen into decline. Now earmarked for regeneration as part of the Phoenix Initiative, this is an appropriate time to excavate some of the stories that the building holds.
when:
2 Evening performances at 7.30
2 Matinees at 3.30
Audience capacity 80 – 100
Suitable for ages 8+
Other activities: workshops and performances in schools, work-places and other related City Centre venues
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.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
For key to symbols, see Access page
|
Access Summary
The Old Fire Station has been unused for several decades, and as such is a ‘hard hat area’ inside and is not useable for public events in its present condition. However, it is earmarked for regeneration as part of the Phoenix Initiative and therefore its prospects are looking much brighter. In its proposed new capacity as a restaurant and South Asian food academy there is much scope for imaginative cultural use of the building.
At this point there is a unique opportunity to reflect upon the history of the area and also celebrate its reinvention.
The Old Fire Station’s prime location in the regeneration area and distinctive identity make it an ideal venue; its tower (formerly used for hose-drying) provides a beacon and venue for fanfares; and it sits close to transport hubs.
links: Orchestra of the Swan
The Virtual Fringe is © Talking Birds, each virtual project is © the artist.
