A blog for the latest theatre, music, dance and performance photography from Andrew Billington - live performance photographer based in Staffordshire and photographing across the UK.
Water Fools By Ilotopie - Central Forest Park, Hanley
On Friday I photographed a spectacular piece of theatre that took place on a lake!
It was also very challenging because it couldn't start till after sunset and we were in the middle of a summer rain storm - but these are the challenges that you get faced with when you are photographing live events that are site specific.
From the Appetite website:
"Appetite presents Water Fools by ilotopie an outstanding outdoor show performed entirely on the lake at Central Forest Park. A spectacle like no other, this show sees performers walking on water, floating cars, bikes, and beds, astonishing original music and a frenzy of fireworks all combining to create a dreamlike and visually stunning performance which, for this very special evening, transforms a lake into a stage.
Water Fools is full of beautiful and extraordinary moments that you’ll never forget. Dip into the unusual with a splash of the unexpected, as visiting company ilotopie flood your senses with this once in a lifetime experience set against the unique backdrop of Central Forest Park."
Theatre Photography : Anna of the Five Town - New Vic Theatre
On the 150th anniversary of Arnold Bennett the New Vic Theatre in Stoke-on-Trent mounts a new adaptation of his most famous novel adapted by Deborah McAndrew.
Directed by Conrad Nelson it's a lovely version of the book that uses not only a cast of professional actors but members of a local community choir - The Phoenix Singers - to populate the stage and add a musical accompaniment.
" Anna Tellwright’s 21st birthday brings with it newfound responsibilities, wealth and a suitor for her heart.
Courted by desirable bachelor Henry Mynors, Anna struggles to gain her independence. She finds herself torn between trying to please her tyrannical father and a desire to help young Willie Price and his family from the brink of ruin.
As pressure mounts, tragedy strikes, and Anna must discover where her heart truly lies before it’s too late. "
Rehearsal Photography : Mighty Atoms - Hull Truck Theatre
With Hull being the 2017 City of Culture there is a lot of attention being directed o the North East of England. I was lucky enough to go along to Hull Truck to photograph rehearsals for the third part of the Hull Trilogy - Might Atoms by Amanda Whittington.
I've photographed the preceding two parts of the Trilogy - Dancing Through The Shadows & The Gaul - and it's great to complete the cycle.
From the theatre website:
"In a struggling pub on one of Hull’s toughest streets, ex-pro boxer Taylor Flint runs a women’s boxercise class. For Lauren, Jazz, Aneta and Grace the class is much more than a way to lose weight and have a laugh – they’re fighting the grinding challenges of everyday life.
When the pub is threatened with closure, the women agree to be part of an unlicensed fight night to raise money and rally the community. They’re ready to prove themselves in a world that shows them little respect, but Taylor knows that once the gloves are on, the real test will be going toe to toe with friends and neighbours.
Inspired by Hull’s original Mighty Atom, Barbara Buttrick, this new play by award-winning writer Amanda Whittington (Ladies Day, Be My Baby, Amateur Girl) pulls no punches."
Here's a quick peek at rehearsals in progress - I'm looking forward to popping back in a couple of weeks for the dress rehearsal...
Actors & Actresses Headshots - Manchester & West Midlands
As I photograph a lot in theatres I quite often get asked about taking actors and actresses headshots.
As I photograph a lot in theatres I quite often get asked about taking actors and actresses headshots.
This week I was in Stoke to do some headshots for Cara Sutcliffe.
It's always an enjoyable thing to do as you get to spend an hour with someone creating a portrait that says something about them and hopefully communicates their personality as an image to a future employer.
I've never taken the studio route with actors and actresses headshots but prefer to work outside in natural light - which I think creates a more pleasing and flattering image.
If you are looking for theatre headshots please feel free to get in touch.
Rehearsal Photography : Beryl - New Vic Theatre
I was across at the New Vic Theatre in Stoke again on Tuesday afternoon to photograph rehearsals for Maxine Peake's play 'Beryl' which opens next week.
I was across at the New Vic Theatre in Stoke again on Tuesday afternoon to photograph rehearsals for Maxine Peake's play 'Beryl' which opens next week.
" Maxine Peake’s critically acclaimed first play – a warm and witty celebration of the life of unsung sporting legend Beryl Burton. A working class mum from Leeds, she cycled her way into the record books, becoming the greatest ever woman on two wheels. But her remarkable story was, largely, forgotten – until now!
Nobody expects young Beryl Charnock to amount to much. She never makes it to grammar school and, after a serious illness, is told to avoid exercise. Then she meets keen young cyclist, Charlie Burton, and finds herself smitten – not only with Charlie, but with the thrill and freedom she finds on her bike.
With husband and daughter at her side, the determined Beryl defies the world, embarking on a journey that leads to true sporting greatness. She dominates cycling throughout the 1950s, 60s and 70s, becoming five-time world champion and best British all-rounder for 25 consecutive years. And still makes it home in time for dinner!"
Directed by Gemma Fairlie
The Snow Queen : New Vic Theatre
I had the chance to photograph this gorgeous adaptation of 'The Snow Queen' at The New Vic Theatre in Newcastle-under-lyme at the end of November. It's a classic Christmas show and visually a joy to photograph.
I had the chance to photograph this gorgeous adaptation of 'The Snow Queen' at The New Vic Theatre in Newcastle-under-lyme at the end of November. It's a classic Christmas show and visually a joy to photograph.
This week's Guardian as well as running the photos made it the number one show to see in the UK - great stuff:
"The Guardian - Friday Dec 16th 2016
1. The Snow Queen
Once again, Theresa Heskins delivers a wonderful festive show. This tale of friendship, self-sacrifice and adventure should thaw the most wintry of hearts as Gerda sets out to save her friend Kai from the clutches of the icy Snow Queen, with Heskins drawing as much on Dickens as she does on Hans Christian Andersen’s original tale." - Lyn Gardner
Theatre Photography : Treasure Island - Hull Truck Theatre
This year's Christmas show at Hull Truck Theatre is a great adaptation of Treasure Island. Hull Truck have started a great tradition of presenting a play for children rather than a pantomime over the festive season and this production is certainly continuing that.
This year's Christmas show at Hull Truck Theatre is a great adaptation of Treasure Island. Hull Truck have started a great tradition of presenting a play for children rather than a pantomime over the festive season and this production is certainly continuing that.
A great revolving set forms the backdrop for a capsule company presenting this great tale of adventure.
Have a peek at some of my production photography from this fun, colourful and exciting show.
Rehearsal Photography : Cinderella - Lawrence Batley Theatre
Today was a trip to The Lawrence Bately Theatre in Huddersfield to photograph rehearsals of 'Cinderella', their Christmas Pantomime. I love it when the Christmas shows begin because that really marks the start of the festive season for me!!
Today was a trip to The Lawrence Bately Theatre in Huddersfield to photograph rehearsals of 'Cinderella', their Christmas Pantomime. I love it when the Christmas shows begin because that really marks the start of the festive season for me!!
From their website:
In a fairy-tale kingdom, poor Cinderella is a servant to her cruel stepmother and ugly stepsisters. When a handsome prince invites all the maidens of the land to his party, she only has rags to wear. With the help of her friend Buttons, and a sprinkling of magic from her Fairy Godmother, will she make it to the ball after all?
This classic rags to riches story includes everything you love about a traditional pantomime - sparkling scenery, stunning costumes, plenty of audience interaction, well-known songs and live music - with two dames for twice the laughs.
New to the LBT this Christmas, CINDERELLA is the creation of pantomime royalty Joyce Branagh and Andrew Pollard.
Rehearsal Photography : Treasure Island - Hull Truck Theatre
Yesterday evening I popped across to Hull and Hull Truck Theatre to photograph rehearsals for their Christmas show. I love it when it gets to this time of year as lots of theatre companies are gearing up for Christmas and it really gets me in the festive spirit!
Yesterday evening I popped across to Hull and Hull Truck Theatre to photograph rehearsals for their Christmas show. I love it when it gets to this time of year as lots of theatre companies are gearing up for Christmas and it really gets me in the festive spirit!
This year Hull Truck Theatre are staging ‘Treasure Island’ and if rehearsals are anything to go by it looks like an action-filled musical treat!
Artistic Director Mark Babych says:
“Hull Truck Theatre Christmas shows are all about providing magical adventures in storytelling that all the family can enjoy. Highly visual, with great original music, our team creates that extra special bit of Hull Truck magic to bring familiar and wondrous stories to life in the intimate, welcoming surroundings of our beautiful theatre. Debbie Oates has created a sparkling new version of a great tale.”
Rehearsal Photography - The Snow Queen - New Vic Theatre
This is some rehearsal photography from last week of 'The Snow Queen' at the New Vic Theatre in Staffordshire.
I'll be returning at the end of the month to photograph the dress rehearsal, and if the rehearsals are anything to go by it looks like it's going to be a corker!
