A night-time experience guided and managed by twin Bell Hops who talk non-stop nonsense, describe everything they see and sign as they talk. They tell poor jokes, they bicker and spar with each other - a cabaret-style Tweedledum & Tweedledee. They control the lift. They are in charge.
All the while, the lift travels up and down. Each time it stops, the Bell Hops open the doors. The audience become voyeurs, glimpse parties, intrude on the observed lives. Each party scene is noisy but wordless, described by the Bell Hops.
But something isn’t quite right. A cough, a two-step, the tables are turning and suddenly the lift is wreaking a startling revenge on the voyeurs...
who:
The Shysters are a company of nine actors with learning disabilities, whose work is led by Richard Hayhow, artistic director, and a team of artists including Kathy Joyce, the company’s associate director. Through a devising process that encompasses a range of physical theatre methods, the work draws in the actors’ experiences and perceptions and transforms them into the stuff of theatre.
why:
This performance is inspired by memories of lifts we have known and the experiences that have gone with them, combined with the surreal feel of this particular lift (which transports both goods and people).
where:
There are two entrances into the goods lift, the main one and a side one. If both entrances were opened on the ground or the first floor, it would provide a thoroughfare from room to room. The lift is approximately 10ft by 12ft.
For the duration of the performance the audience remain on the ground floor arranged in a semi-circle on chairs around the outside of the lift. Different settings inside the lift are engineered through the alternative side entrance, unseen by the audience.
when:
10 performances
Tuesday to Saturday at 10.30pm
Audience of 25 – by invitation only (Invitations are delivered personally by the Bell Hops)
Age 12 and upwards
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?
Yes, for small to mid-scale companies and artists, small bands and small orchestras.
Is the venue accessible to wheelchair users?
Yes
Are there toilets, including a wheelchair accessible toilet?
Yes
Is there an electricity supply?
To the building, yes, but not specifically to the lift
Are there fire exits?
Yes
Is there space for bar/hospitality?
Yes (and new cafe facilties will be available as part of the redevelopment of HAGM).
Is there space for box office/curator/front of house?
Yes
Is the venue/site family or child friendly?
Yes
How easy is it to find the venue?
Very easy
How easy is it to get to the venue on foot? would you want to make this journey after dark?
The venue is within easy walking distance from Broadgate. We would make this journey after dark, however, some people would not.
Is there car parking nearby?
Yes
What might be a good interpretation solution for your show? signer?audio description? another? can it be fully integrated into the concept?
Integrated via the Bell-Hops.
links: The Shysters | The Herbert Art Gallery & Museum
The Virtual Fringe is © Talking Birds, each virtual project is © the artist.
