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The Palace of Wasted Dreams

A new participatory musical theatre project, exploring & giving voice to women’s relationship with alcohol

Starts: 2011-02-03
Finishes: 2011-02-12

Availability:

The Palace of Wasted Dreams
Thurs 3rd – Sat 5th & Wed 9th – Sat 12th February, 8pm
mac, Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham, B12 9QH
Tickets & Information:0121 446 3232www.macarts.co.uk
Tickets £12 (£8) (Suitable for ages 14+)

Introduction

It’s here, it’s arrived. Come on in! The Palace of Wasted Dreams

Licensed for laughing, crying, dancing, singing, surprising and thinking on.
A place where anything can happen, and something always does…
Whether you’ve been before or it’s your very first time, come on down to the Palace!

The Palace of Wasted Dreams is the culmination of a two-year project called Wasted, a new participatory musical theatre project exploring and giving voice to women’s relationship with alcohol.

An essential night out, an intoxicating total live theatre experience. Dress for a night out. Non-drinkers very welcome!

History

Whether it’s teenage girls binge drinking illicitly, women in their 20s and 30s drinking as part of their busy social lives and careers, or older women drinking more at home, alcohol has become a greater part of women’s lives over the past half century. (Drinkaware)

We feel women’s relationship with alcohol is a rich untapped vein for theatrical exploration and a subject that will resonate with diverse audiences. We are producing a multi-voiced exploration of behaviours around alcohol with a non-judgemental approach. We are exploring the subject matter deeply from a political, economic and scientific perspective, getting beyond the tabloid headlines, to promote thought and reflection around issues such as protecting our health, ensuring personal safety, and domestic violence.

Audiences will get a skinful of intoxicating, experiential theatre as mac’s new theatre space transforms into a drinking emporium, a gin palace for women, their drinking partners and their teetotal friends.

Notes

Outcome

“This was neither an overly moralistic nor judgemental show… A rollercoaster journey to explore how women use – and often abuse – alcohol for a variety of reasons… [moments] had the audience in stitches… [the hostesses] kept the tone of the show playful and fun, and then drew the audience into moments of poignancy with their delicate solos.”
Leigh Mancarini, Metro

“BRILLIANT. I laughed so much, sometimes a bit too much as I missed some of the show! And then at times my laughing and giggling was halted at the very poignant and thoughtful parts of the show… wonderful evening.”

“It was like nothing I’ve ever been to before”

“Fantastic! I could’ve been watching the rugby but didn’t feel like I missed it at all! I’ve never been to such an interactive production, but I’d love to go to more like it!”

“I really enjoyed my visit to the palace – it made me laugh, cry and think.”

“Used to work in alcohol field, so think it’s a fab way to raise awareness through different ways as it can affect us all.”

“An unusual and original and unorthodox show. Happy party atmosphere and good original music. Good fun and a good antidote to the stress of the working week.”

“I enjoyed the whole experience! I came to the show on my own and didn’t know what to expect (I get worried!) The performers made me feel very welcome and comfortable quite quickly!”

Audience Members, mac

Production Credits

The Palace of Wasted Dreams has been devised by Women & Theatre from materials gathered through research. It is performed by Women & Theatre and a cast of local people.

Artistic Director: Janice Connolly
Associate Director: Terina Talbot
Director: Gwenda Hughes
Musical Director: Clare Edwards
Composition by: Gurdan Thomas and The Company
Production Designer: Andrew Purvin
Lighting Designer: Simon Bond
Stage Manager: Sara Crathorne

Wasted is a Women & Theatre production in association with mac.

The Palace of Wasted Dreams is a co-production with mac and is supported by Arts Council England, Aquarius, Sir Barry Jackson Trust, Bryant Trust, AERC, John Feeney Charitable Trust, Birmingham City Council, the Harry Payne Trust, The Grimmitt Trust and The Cole Charitable Trust.

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