Operation Elsewhere
An Irish adventure..
to a mythical other world…
Adapted and directed by Zoe Seaton
2 – 4 May 2020
Six live performances 3pm and 7pm
“There is more to this world than meets the eye. What you take for real is an illusion. What you take for an illusion is real. At any one time, in any one place, you are inches from Elsewhere, the land of fable, foe and faerie.”
Next month, innovative Northern Irish theatre company Big Telly is bringing a new and extraordinary online theatrical experience right into homes across the UK, Northern Ireland and beyond.
Directed by Big Telly’s founder and artistic director Zoe Seaton (THE LYRIC THEATRE, BELFAST, HULL TRUCK THEATRE COMPANY, TINDERBOX THEATRE COMPANY), Operation Elsewhere brings alive Irish myths and takes audiences on a virtual trip to the beautiful Emerald island for an adventure into another dimension, where somewhere is Elsewhere. Once admitted to the journey, they weave their path and meet strange and wonderful characters, faeries and changelings, together with mysterious quests, intrigue and game mechanics. It culminates in one extraordinary hour of theatrical entertainment, comedy and joy.
Originally written by Jane Talbot author of TheFaerie Thorn, anacclaimed collection of contemporary dark myths, this new adaptation for Zoom features acast of seven actors and music composed by Garth McConaghie (THE LYRIC THEATRE, BELFAST, NEW VICTORY THEATRE, BROADWAY, NEW YORK).
Big Telly’s Artistic Director Zoe Seatonsaid: “Operation Elsewhereintroduces audiences to an anarchic and contemporary version of Irish mythology. The show’s playful quest format breaks down the fourth wall, letting audiences join in a truly live experience. It’s theatre born in isolation but with a mission to connect us all in magic and myth.”
The new show comes hot on the heels of director Zoe Seaton’s critically-acclaimed online Zoom production The Tempest Live (a co-production with Creation Theatre). The show’s fifteen performances brought audiences together from across five continents to share in a Shakespearian theatrical experience.
Theatrical games are a format Big Telly have worked with over several years and they have staged large scale events played over kilometres, towns and industrial estates. Productions include I-Spy, A Quirky Tale, Merchant Quest,Operation Sweet Talk. Zoe has also directed Midsummer Night’s Dreamand The Tempestas games for Creation Theatre in Oxford.
Background– Theatre in Lockdown
When lockdown happened, game and site-responsive theatre specialists Big Telly quickly moved its thinking to how live theatre could operate online. They knew the mechanics of games would work. Zoe brought the idea to their theatre soulmates Creation Theatre in Oxford who were thinking along similar lines. A few conversations later Zoe had begun directing online Zoom rehearsals for The Tempest Liveas a co-production. Following its success and 15 shows later, Operation Elsewhereis the next installment in Big Telly’s global theatre in lockdown.
Praise for Zoe Seaton’s The Tempest Live
4 Stars “Magical…The stuff dreams are made on.” The Guardian
4 Stars “A wonderful feel good production.” NorthWest End
“You genuinely feel part of a shared experience, which is what going to the theatre is all about” Rev Stan
“Clever and creative” From Page To Stage
“A gently enchanting production.” The F-Word
Cast
Keith Singleton The Groom
Rosie McClelland The Bride
Michael Johnston Mad Sweeney, The Birdman
Rhodri Lewis The Changeling
Nicky Harley Scatha
Cillian Lenahan Head of Border Security
Chris Grant The Pooka
Creative team
Writer of original production Jane Talbot
Director and adaptor Zoe Seaton
Stage Manager and Zoom Magician Sinead Owens
Composer Garth McConaghie
Recommended for adults, families and children 7+
Listings: 2 – 4 May, 3pm and 7pm daily
£20 per device
Booking – 01865 766266
Box office HERE
#OperationElsewhere @BigTellyNI
