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.
Rehearsal Photography - TREASURE ISLAND - New Vic Theatre
Here's some rehearsal photography from the New Vic Theatre in preparation for their production of 'Treasure Island' in November 2017.
The Last Testament of Lillian Billoca - Hull Truck Theatre
Site specific theatre as part of Hull's year as the UK City of Culture:
‘Time is as short as her skirt and she’s as high as her hair…because these are our men and they measure up in more ways than one.’
An extraordinary night of love, life and loss in a major new commission for our final season.
Follow Hull hero Lillian Bilocca and her crew of head scarfed women through The Guildhall, joining them in 1968 as they dare to speak out and take action to improve the safety conditions for their men at sea.
Witness the Three Day Millionaires’ riotous return home from the wet and wild west, and dance at the ghostly Silver Cod Ball, the trawler owners’ annual slap on the back. Become part of their story as it unfolds and immerse yourself in Hull’s fishing community. Celebrate the vivid and dangerous lives of its trawler men and unite against the feudal power of the ship owners.
Written by Maxine Peake, directed by Sarah Frankcom and Imogen Knight, and with an original live score by folk’s finest – The Unthanks, this unique site-specific production will take you on an unforgettable journey using music, storytelling, movement and performance to celebrate an inspirational period in Hull’s history and a force for change that resonated far beyond the city.
A Christmas Carol - Hull Truck Theatre - December 2017
I'm painful aware I'm a little bit behind in keeping my theatre blog up to date!
ON A COLD CHRISTMAS EVE, FOUR SPIRITS CONSPIRE TO SHOW EBENEZER SCROOGE THE ERROR OF HIS WAYS. HIS OLD BUSINESS PARTNER, JACOB MARLEY HAS RETURNED FROM THE DEAD TO OFFER HIM A SECOND CHANCE, IF HE CAN CHANGE HIS MEAN AND MISERLY BEHAVIOUR.
Nowhere are the effects of poverty more keenly felt than in the Cratchit family, especially by their youngest son, Tiny Tim. As Scrooge’s inspirational journey shows him both the hardship and love of those around him, he is reminded of his own powers of charity and kindness.
This fresh adaptation of Dickens' classic Christmas ghost story, set in Hull, is a magical, festive treat for all the family.
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."
Around The World in 80 Days - Rehearsal Photography
I popped into the New Vic Theatre last week to photograph rehearsals for the forthcoming production of 'Around the World in 80 Days' which will be opening a the end of this week. Then it tours the UK until January - ending up at The Lowry Theatre in Salford for an extended Christmas run....
It's a production that they have mounted on two previous occasions so it was great to for back and join the company again.
Have a peek into rehearsals....
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
