Getting the pedals turning...

Things are starting to take shape for the tour of Voices of Dissent next year, albeit slowly and in unpredictable ways. I've been given the support of a great organisation in North Devon called Beaford Arts, who are not only offering me space to rehearse the show in Spring but promotion to their rural touring networks in Devon and Cornwall and connections to other venues in the area. So the idea is to start the tour in the South West, before heading over to London, up to East Anglia and back to the North West via the Midlands, possibly ending up in Newcastle. By bicycle. And, realistically, one or two trains - though we're aiming to keep them to a minimum. Anyone who wants to join us for any of the legs would be most welcome. Particularly if you have a portable sound system...

Beaford are also interested in me developing a new piece of work there in response to the region being a UNESCO Biosphere reserve, and possibly in collaboration with other European or international partners. But more of that as it develops...

For now I'm working on getting the tour booked, re-working the script, and writing the obligatory funding applications. And with the help of my renewable technology expert Charlie Baker, and designer Dan Steele, we're trying to develop a system to power the whole show self-sufficiently, through pedal power or other renewable means. So far I think we have the lighting sorted, barring some re-design of the pedal generator Charlie has created and sourcing of the right sort of lights at the right price, but we still have a little way to go on powering our own sound renewably. Rocks in (recycled) oil barrels anyone?

Above are some pictures and below is a video clip of the pedal generator. The video made me laugh an inordinate amount. (I am easily amused).