GIANT BABY DUE TO BE DELIVERED IN YORKSHIRE FOR EASTER WEEKEND
FRIDAY 19 & SATURDAY 20 APRIL 2019
For two nights only Yorkshire is preparing to host a world premiere in a spectacular evening of entertainment on a huge scale!
ZARA opens at The Piece Hall, Halifax on Friday 19th and Saturday 20th April and promises to be an epic event for all the family.
The creation of two of the UK’s leading arts organisations – Mind the Gap theatre company and outdoor arts specialists, Walk the Plank – and has been in the making for 3 years.
Nicky Chance Thompson, Chief Executive of The Piece Hall says: “We are really excited to host this world premiere ahead of its London dates. It’s great news for us and great for the North of England. The Piece Hall has hosted a vast array of events since it re-opened – from contemporary music concerts to intimate site-specific performances, circus spectacle and street theatre – and even the BBC’s Antiques Roadshow – but I think it’s the first time we’ve welcomed a giant baby!”
The baby is central to the production – at 22 feet high, it’s bigger than a double decker bus and will take eight people to operate and make it come to life.
Telling a story of a mother and child against the world, ZARA has a cast of over 100 actors, an army tank, cherry pickers and 4x4s; 3D illuminations will be projected on to the heritage building making it both a backdrop to the performance and central to the story.
The company behind the lighting projection is the internationally-renowned Illuminos who have created projections for buildings, structures and geographical features all over the world.
“We worked with Illuminos last December when we hosted ‘Illuminating Halifax’ with Halifax Minster and Square Chapel Arts Centre” says Nicky Chance Thompson. “That was a huge success with our visitors, and I have no doubt that this will be too.”
Artistic Director, Joyce Nga Yu Lee: “There are poignant stories to be told with theatre and this is one; whilst it’s fun, upbeat, contains ridiculous dances and baby ‘poo’ – which we’ve affectionately named ‘Poo-mageddon’ – there is also a story about parenting, motherhood and people with learning disabilities.
“When I started working on this project, I knew I wanted to make it big – I wanted it to be in your face so that people had to take notice. I always imagined it to be like a cross between Godzilla, the Paralympics opening ceremony, and a sci-fi film! I think ZARA will stay with you long after you leave.”
ZARA premieres at The Piece Hall in Halifax on Easter Weekend
Friday 19th and Saturday 20th April
The production starts at 9pm; there are refreshment stalls and pre-show entertainment and visitors are welcomed from 7pm
Tickets are £8 or £28 for a group of four people