Arts grant gives theatre show a boost

A Halifax-based theatre company has been awarded a grant to develop its new show and take it to towns across the country.
IOU 2 4 AB Pic1-3 Prop maker at IOU Theatre jamie Liddell works on the tail of a fish. pic4-6 Artistic Director David Wheeler in one of the structures. Pic7-9 Jay Payne at work. Pic10-11 Frank Darnley prepares to wIOU 2 4 AB Pic1-3 Prop maker at IOU Theatre jamie Liddell works on the tail of a fish. pic4-6 Artistic Director David Wheeler in one of the structures. Pic7-9 Jay Payne at work. Pic10-11 Frank Darnley prepares to w
IOU 2 4 AB Pic1-3 Prop maker at IOU Theatre jamie Liddell works on the tail of a fish. pic4-6 Artistic Director David Wheeler in one of the structures. Pic7-9 Jay Payne at work. Pic10-11 Frank Darnley prepares to w

IOU, which has its base at Dean Clough Mills, received the grant from the Arts Council of England for its show ‘Rear View’.

The show promises to be an ambitious combination of mystery tour, live performance, participatory installation and multi-level experiences using digital technology.

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The audience will travel in a specially designed mobile auditorium that will enable them to watch scenes play out behind the bus as it travels along, as well as set-scenes in special places n the host town.

It’s hoped the site-specific nature of show will enable local residents to be involved in its creation and create a unique way to experience their town.

David Wheeler, artistic director and founder member of IOU, said: “We are delighted and thrilled to be supported by the Arts Council to develop and present ‘Rear View’.

“The grant will allow us to both make a show that will explore new territory for the company, as well as manufacture the road going, rear facing bus that will be a unique resource when touring to areas without traditional theatre spaces.

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“We are also extremely pleased to be collaborating with national partner festivals to present one of IOU’s most exciting shows to date.”

As part of the show, the company is currently working on the development of new audio technology to create a vivid layer of sound for the audience to experience.

The show marks a return to outdoor performance work for IOU and coincides with the company’s 40th Anniversary and the opening of a new studio, gallery and making space at Dean Clough Mills.

A long-term project, Rear View will tour England in 2017 and 2018.