A series of railway tunnels under Temple Meads train station is set to become a dramatic new performance space after being revamped by local companies Artspace Lifespace and Invisible Circus.
The arched chambers underneath the Passenger Shed, which have been unused for more than 70 years, will become the stage for a gothic fable called 'The Stick House', a production put together by theatre-makers Raucous, which fuses film, music, performance and creative digital technology to 'spin a tale of love found, betrayals made and hearts laid bare.'
Raucous
The eerie venue – now called the Lo-co Klub – will eventually hold an audience of 400, but these first performances will be for just 50 until the space is more thoroughly developed. Rather than being set in a traditional seated auditorium, the 'The Stick Man' comes in the form of a promenade, with audiences following the action on foot through the atmospheric tunnels.
'The Stick House' has been written by playwright Sharon Clarke and produced by Maggie Dunning, who together form Raucous, along with a collective of 15 theatre-makers and acclaimed creative advisors. The show is set to run from September 7 until October 17, with the first few show dates having already sold out.
Performances will incorporate actors, a range of hi-tech wizardry (such as projection mapping) robotics, puppetry and filmmaking. It is hoped that the show will be the first of many to utilise this breathtaking space.
The Stick House, September 7-October 17. The Lo-co Klub, underneath the Passenger Shed, Station Approach, Bristol, BS1 6QH. Visit the website for more information and click here to book tickets.
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