Places and Spaces

Apologies for the lack of posts of late, it’s been a bit manic getting everything together ready for devising and rehearsals and there’s still work to do, but we’re getting on top of it now.

To briefly fill you in; two weeks were suppose to be spent devising in Bristol, this turned into spending half the time devising and half building as the construction of the actual contraptions had fallen behind schedule (and still is, but we’re in a better position now). Following those two weeks we’ve now moved into a 2 week residency at Prema Arts Centre (more info Below) and have almost completed the 1st week here.

The building, creation and developments of this projects are happening in various different places and spaces, some of which are quite unique and inspiring and have really helped pull this project along so we thought we’d give you a little insight into the places where Thingamabob is being created.

Our Workshop at: The College Project

It would have been impossible to construct the contraptions and machines for this show without a designated workshop. We started our search for a workshop in 2011 and it didn’t take us long before we stumbled across The College, which is a 6 acre campus based in the grounds of the former City of Bristol College and is a project which has been taken on by Artspace Lifespace. They have transformed what was a “derelict” set of buildings into a thriving community of artists, makers, teachers and creatives.

Since moving into our workshop (Pictured above) at the College we haven’t looked back and although initially we were only moving in on a temporary basis, it looks more and more likely we’ll be staying there for a while, we just can’t get enough of the place! The amount of creativity and activities which are oozing out from The College Project is hard to imagine, and it’s still growing. We’re very pleased to be part of a community with so much talent, creativity and general goodness. Check out the College Project here: http://www.artspacecollege.com/

Studio Space at: Circomedia

Circomedia, the internationally-respected centre of excellence for circus and theatre training, this is where it all started for us, having graduated in 2007 and now teaching there, it’s only natural that we have a strong connection with Circomedia and they continue to support us and our work. All our past shows have had long periods of creation time in studios at Circomedia and Thingamabob is no exception. It feels like our home for creation, it’s our comfortable place. More info about Circomedia here: http://www.circomedia.com/

Studio Space at: Prema Arts Centre

Prema Arts Centre (Pictured Below) is a little gem hidden away in the small picturesque village of Uley in rural Gloucestershire. We first visit Prema with our show Full Twist, where we performed in the upstairs studio space of the arts centre, a wonderful space with a half-hexagonal end. We played to a packed house and a great atmosphere – we couldn’t have hoped for anything better.

We’re very pleased to be back in Prema and again based in the upstairs studio but this time in creation mode, and it’s a good a space for creation as it is for performance, with a view of the country side from the windows and a light and airy atmosphere it doesn’t get much better than this and we’re really grateful to Prema for having us.

Some of Thingamabob set up in the space at Prema:

Take a peak at Prema here: http://prema.org.uk/

We’ve got just over a week left at Prema now, so it’s onwards and upwards, the creation is getting exciting.