Breeze blows critic away to top his theatrical year

Earlier this year, ‘Sea Breeze’ blended live performance, live music and architectural projections to reveal the narrative that would be told if the Winter Gardens had eyes and ears.

Now, placing the performance at no 1 in his top 10 theatre for this year, Guardian critic Alfred Hickling heaps praise on the performance.

He said: “Laurel and Hardy played the Morecambe Winter Gardens, as did the Rolling Stones and somebody called Professor Duncan with his Wonderful Performing Collies.

“Sea Breeze, jointly produced with Live at LICA and Raisin and Willow captured the ephemera of those glory days in a play of light that astonished much as the first cinematograph and magic lantern displays must have; less a product of technology than the influence of witchcraft.”

The contemporary theatre piece drew on extensive research into the Grade II* Listed Victorian theatre, and the gathered stories and recollections of those who once worked there. Forgotten, intricate details of the decaying interior were mapped to striking effect with light projection, featuring found and original film footage.

The show was commissioned and produced by Live at LICA, based at Lancaster University’s campus, and created by Liverpool-based artists Raisin & Willow, in collaboration with Lancaster-based visual innovators, Imitating the Dog.

Leo Burtin, Creative Producer for Live at LICA, said: “The whole team is extremely proud of the critical acclaim the project has received.

“Such an achievement demonstrates the importance, value and power of long term investment in uncompromising artistic projects, and the difference that it can make to an area and a community.”

A limited edition commemorative book celebrating ‘Sea Breeze’ is now available containing the full script and photographic images.

The book can be bought via Live at LIC. Visit www.liveatlica.org or email [email protected] for details and pricing.