STICKLEBACKS & SWINGBOATS
CHOL THEATRE, 2018
Supported by the Arts Council and Heritage Lottery, this project explored the history of Huddersfield’s local Pleasure Grounds. Since Victorian times, Hope Bank Pleasure Grounds have been a popular spot where people traveled from far away to enjoy a great day out.
This devised show, created with community theatre company Chol, was part of the celebrations to remember the Pleasure Grounds, closed in 1950, and stop them disappearing from memory.
-
Written & Directed by Joe Gilmour
Costume Design by Emma Williams
Set Design by Colette Cummings
Musical Director Jenny Goodman
Movement Direction by Sameena Hussain
Sound Design by Jaydev Mistry
“Perfect community theatre”
This was my first show that I directed professionally, and I’m very grateful to Chol Theatre, who really invested in me and trusted me.
I was absolutely certain that I didn’t want to go into rehearsals with a script already written - I wanted to make it with the participants. I also brought on board Sound Designer Jaydev Mistry
We only had five days, so it was a bit of a white-knuckle ride - I’ve since got better at trusting the process and having confidence in my skills as a director to bring everything together in time. And it did all come together! The show was wonderful, the participants and audience loved it, and it has stayed with me as one of my favourite projects.
