Storm Ship: A sturdy 19th Century frigate battles the storm as its salt-soaked crew steer it through the streets desperately seeking refuge from the furious wind and waves. The captain bellows orders as the crew struggle with the sails and the figurehead wails with fear from beneath the bowsprit.
A crinolined passenger clambers up from below decks as she labours to control her seasickness. The storm rages.
Eventually, just as all seems lost, the figurehead spots land and with huge gratitude the ship gradually limps into refuge. As the sails are dropped and the ship docks, the figurehead begins to sing an aria so sweet that an albatross climbs the rigging and soars high above the deck in an accompanying aerial dance. The ship and crew are saved.
Storm Ship is a promenade and static show set to music and involving an aerial trapeze routine and operatic singing. The actual ship is a steel framed theatrical frigate on wheels with three masts, full sails and with a cleverly engineered steering system. The ship is rigged specifically for aerial acrobatics in the masts.
There are two different types of show available with Storm Ship.
- A static theatrical narrative show onboard the ship involving a static aerial routine and operatic singing. This is a 40-minute performance.
Or
2. As seen in the video. At some point, prior to the performance, the crew can liaise with a local group (a choir, community group, or local school) who at the event will pull the ship through the streets until the point of ’refuge’ where the opera and aerial show take place.
The ship is designed so that it is easily pulled by two or three people so that the effort required is minimal.
The length of this performance is dependant on the length of the journey through the streets, with a ten-minute start show and a ten-minute opera and aerial show as a finale.
Technical details
2 x 40 minute static shows per day – event dependent
4 performers
Onsite vehicle access and parking for 1 transit sized van needs to be provided
This act dislikes stairs
Clean, secure & private changing space required close to performance area.
Allow 4 hours set up.
Accomodation may need to be provided the night prior to the performance.