Socially Distanced Street Theatre
Creative Consultancy – Working with you to create exciting and safe events
Engage & Entertain… From A Distance
Outdoor arts are ideally placed to respond quickly and creatively in bringing theatre back to the general public. We are creating shows that imaginatively engage with audiences and spectators using non-traditional models; shows that use costume, character, music, spectacle and humour to capture the audience’s attention and entertain from a distance.
Everyone needs to assess and manage the risks of COVID-19 for themselves. As performers and producers we also have a responsibility to protect audience and other performers from risks to their health and safety.
Thinking about returning to performing outdoor shows during the end phase of the COVID-19 lockdown can seem daunting, especially for performers and producers. There are many factors to assess to maintain safe practice and this has to be the first priority. After consulting with local government Infection control services and Public Health England, we have put in place procedures to keep performers and audiences safe. With these in place we can minimise the coronavirus risk in ways that are creative and which do not diminish the artistic or cultural experience.
Managed Space
Static performances generally require the audience to be gathered closely together in a defined area. Walkabout shows on the other hand are created to entertain for brief moments. The content of these shows is designed so that it does not require audience engagement for a long period of time; the shows engage, entertain and, importantly, move on.
Experienced walkabout performers can create and manage the space between performer and observer keeping both parties at a safe distance.
Audience Dynamics
We understand that audience members are going to be cautious, especially when they first encounter outdoor performances after lockdown is eased. People are likely to have a heightened awareness of their environment and of who is directly close to them. Performers are generally sensitive to audience reaction and mood and will respond appropriately.
Good walkabout performers are extremely mindful of the feelings of spectators and have the ability to move the performance to a different location as necessary.
Distanced Walkabouts
HMS Punnafore
This show is aimed at bringing laughter and song back to public spaces.
‘HMS Punafore’ This Victorian Masterpiece has been beautifully butcheredÂ
and blatantly blended and is now a prancing, promenading, maritime, musical comedy. The boat and its crew are trying to perform Gilbert and Sullivan’s HMS Pinafore but it doesn’t quite go according to plan. A seafaring spectacle that sings and dances its way around town centres, streets and festivals. A case of high Cs on the high seas!
The Pirates Of Northants
These Pirates are here to pilfer and plunder your woes and blues.Â
Ahoy there! Yo ho ho Prepare to be swash buckled by these Super Camp 1980’s Pirates. Buccaneers will sail all the way from their East Midland lair to waylay your event or festival. They will perform songs from Gilbert and Sullivan’s Operetta mixed with Spandau Ballet, Adam and the Ants and of course Duran Duran. High camp on the high seas. Book early or shiver your own timbers.Â
Los Skankos
Waiters You Want To stay Clear Of.
These hilarious waiters sing and promenade around the streets with their marvellous but moldy menu.
Los Skankos A family of musical Mediterranean waiters scour your festival for customers for their putrid pizzas and polluted pasta whilst serenading the crowds with their stunning songs from Sorrento.
Edmund & Hilary
Exploring humour in post Covid environment.
Dressed in tropical kit and pith helmets these two ‘Gentlemen Explorers’ are here to amuse and bemuse the indigenous population. Upper lips have never been stiffer!
Team BGee
Social Distancing Doesn’t have To Be A Tragedy! How Deep Is Your love?Â
Come along, sing-along and boogie-along with these popular pop icons as they parade and perform their funky love classics. Laugh as they flirt and dance with all the wonderful men and women they can find.
Val & Halla
Vivacious Vikings that bring mayhem and mirth; laughter and larceny and a healthy dose of ABBA.
Chefs de Chansons
Baking bliss and grilling glee. These happy singing chefs are here with sizzling smiles to bring some happiness back to the streets.
From the country that brought you baguettes, berets and brie we present these patriotic, partisan pastry-chefs. This team of patriotic partisan pastry-chefs from Paris are our recommendations for food and drink fayres, cabarets of cuisine and gastronomic galas.
‘Le jour de gloire est arrive!’
Laughter and pleasure will be vital in helping people recover from the stresses and anxieties associated with lockdown and social isolation.
Dynamic, visual and funny walkabout shows help to create a festival atmosphere and enliven town centres. Experienced walkabout performers perform shows that can be watched and enjoyed from a distance.
Markmark Creative Consultancy
Markmark have been creating and organising successful outdoor events since 1991. The current situation is different and challenging in ways that we have not seen before. The economy is shrinking massively, mental health problems are on the increase and the Covid-19 virus is still with us. The public needs encouraging back into the town centres and, once there, given a positive experience so that they feel confident and happy to return.
Collaborative Events Planning
Outdoor arts are well known to be very successful in helping communities engage with public spaces. By working collaboratively with local events organisers we can create happenings that are dynamic, diverse and, most importantly, safe for the public. Given that street entertainment can be a vital part of the town centre experience then the organisation of outdoor performance needs careful consideration. This is where Markmark’s experience and wide knowledge of the sector can play a vital part.
It doesn’t have to be a tragedy…Â
Artist Programming
Markmark have strong associations with many other street artists. We can advise on acts that are local to you as well as those from further afield. We can work with you to explore different styles of performance and identify which shows would be suitable for the event you are planning. Markmark can not only contact artists but also help programme the entertainment and organise your day successfully.
Health & Hygiene
Providing good changing and washing facilities isn’t always easy, even in the best of times. Hygiene regulations are even more stringent under Covid-19 rules and are essential in keeping performers safe. Markmark can take away the necessity of the constant deep- cleaning required by those rules by supplying mobile changing facilities and washrooms should you require them.
It is more important than ever that we work together to help individuals, communities and society as a whole recover from the terrible legacy of the Covid-19 pandemic. At Markmark we are looking forward to working with events organisers to bring exciting, funny and lively street theatre back to our public places and spaces. Together we can bring culture and entertainment back into our communities in a safe and responsible manner.
Tell Us About Your Event
Fill in the form below to start a conversation about how we can help in planning your event. Or call us on 07947 027822.
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