Commissions
Big Imaginations will commission artists and companies from across the North West to make three different shows over the next 3 years.
Commission 3, 2017
The third and final commission will fund the R&D of two shows, You, Me & i by Urban Conceptz, and Adrift, by Action Transport Theatre.
This commission is about celebrating the talent we have in the North so that we continue to help develop the quality of work available on our doorstep.
Sponge – Commission 2, 2016
Produced by Big Imaginations and co-commissioned by The Spark Arts, Sponge by leading dance theatre group Turned On Its Head, previewed at Just So Festival in August 2016 before premiering at Z-arts in September 2016.
If you would like to book Sponge for your venue – Download the tour pack here
Follow the progress online using #SPONGETHESHOW
To date Sponge has toured to 42 venues across the UK including an 11 date run at The Barbican Centre, London and a schools tour as part of Spark Arts Festival for Children.
We’re delighted to announce that from 28 November – 30 December 2017 Sponge will be performing at Battersea Arts Centre as their Christmas show for early years, tickets available now.
The Adventures of Pom – Commission 1, 2015
Our first Commission, an early years outreach project called The Adventures of Pom, has travelled all over the North West, visiting libraries in Wigan and Wythenshawe to children’s centre in Southport, and primary schools all over Greater Manchester. Starting in August, The Adventures of Pom premiered at the Just So Festival in Cheshire, and made its way across various regions of the North West, from Manchester to St. Helens and all the way to Rossendale, finishing its tour at the end of November.
Pom recieved really lovely comments and excellent overall feedback from all the venues on the tour:
“Absolutely magical – lovely. Thankyou Bryony 2 3/4 yrs” – Briony, Just So Festival Audience Member
“Excellent, suitable for all ages, including mums!” – Fleetwood Library Audience Member
“The show was great and my little girl enjoyed Pom going around the different stuff that was on the floor and last week was good thx so much for a great time. : -)” – Wythenshawe Library Audience Member
“I liked the whole story but when Pom got lost I was happy when her Mummy found her Grace Aged 3. Wonderful story. “ – Central Library, St Helens, Grace’s Grannie & Grandpa
“Beautiful performance. My 2 year old loved everything, the music, the objects to handle and especially Pom. She recognised all of the objects from the previous workshops. The story was engaging and Ruth bought the worlds to life. A great and memorable experience. Thank you.” – Eccleston Library, St Helens, Rachel Albrecht & Matilda
“Fantastic activity sessions leading up to a lovely performance. Freya enjoyed every part of it. It is usually quite difficult to get Freya to sit and listen but she thoroughly enjoyed it. Hope to see more of this type of activity. Thank you very much.” – Wigan Library, Sarah, Phil and Freya
“Was lovely to be a part of something different, thank you for the experience!” – Ighten Hill Children’s Centre, Burnley Rachel & Sophie
“Ruthie did a great job! Really creative, imaginative + engaging with loads of interaction for my 22 month old! Hope to get to lots more things like this. Also great to have it in the library!” – Bacup Library, Lancashire, Audience Member
Due to the success of The Adventures of Pom, Ruthie will be touring with Pom again throughout 2016. Watch this space and check out adventuresofpom.com for details of the upcoming shows.