The outdoor theatre performance of The Lost Words: Told in Gold has moved to Heaton Park, and they’ve added an extra day, Sunday, 2 October. (Mon 26 Sept – Sun 2 Oct).
Led by a flock of birds, The Lost Words: Told in Gold features a massive goldfinch nest auditorium, spells wrapped around trees, words to be discovered in the woodland, and lines of spells perched on branches like starlings.
The show is adapted from Robert Macfarlane and Jackie Morris’ book, The Lost Words. The spoken word recordings are from some of the North’s best-loved voices, including Maxine Peake and Julie Hesmondhalgh and soundtracked by Spell Songs, the stunning musical interpretations of Macfarlane’s words.
The production features stunning 3D installations and an impressive goldfinch nest auditorium, set in a giant ten-metre dome across a woodland trail. During the show, the audience is encouraged to seek, find and speak the lost words of nature in the beautiful surroundings.
The soundtrack features music from the Spell Songs album, created by some of the UK’s most renowned folk music talents interpreting Robert Macfarlane’s words.
As Robert Macfarlane writes: “We’ve got more than 50% of species in decline. And names, good names, well used can help us see, and they help us care. We find it hard to love what we cannot give a name to. And what we do not love, we will not save.”
As one of the few species to be on the rise in the UK is the goldfinch, many younger audience members have taken the opportunity to come dressed in gold and red. In the book, the goldfinch represents the hope to be found in children, “leaving their little gifts of light.”
Director, Collette Murray commented: There are swathes of activity across the country regarding The Lost Words – but mainly in rural counties and districts. Our production aims to bring the same message of eco-responsibility to urban settings.
“Lost Words is one of my favourite books of all time, and I was so chuffed to be asked to be part of the audio installation. This unique experience will capture the hearts and imaginations of people of all ages and backgrounds and reconnect us all with the natural world. Wonderful!” Julie Hesmondhalgh
TICKETS
Full: £15
Concession: £12
Family (2 adults, 2 children): £48
Small Family (1 adult, 1 child): £24
PERFORMANCE DATES/TIMES LEFT
Mon 26 Sept – Sun 2 Oct
