Evaluation Report

Phyllida Shaw, November 2007

1. Background

The Novocastrian Philosophers’ Club was a site-specific performance project initiated by producer Cinzia Hardy and developed in partnership with the Literary & Philosophical Society (hereafter the Lit & Phil) and the North of England Institute of Mining and Mechanical Engineers (hereafter the Mining Institute), and in collaboration with Northern Stage in Newcastle. The Lit & Phil and the Mining Institute occupy adjoining buildings on the Westgate Road. The Lit & Phil, founded in 1793, moved into its current home in 1825. The Mining Institute was founded, next door, during the 1850s. The central feature of both buildings is a high-ceilinged library, with large glass windows in the ceiling. The Lit & Phil has more library space and meeting rooms, while the Mining Institute has a small, Victorian lecture theatre.

The different objectives and operating styles of the two organisations meant that, by the mid 20th century, there was little interaction between them and the connecting door on the first floor, between the two libraries, was permanently locked. While operating independently of each other, the two organisations have much in common. They are both charities, with paying members: the Mining Institute has around 400 and the Lit & Phil around 1800. Both earn income from the letting of space to other organisations. Both have large, physically challenging buildings in need of remedial work. Recognising this, in 2005, the two boards of trustees jointly appointed a Development Director, Richard Gray, to work with them on building a sustainable future. This involves not only addressing the challenges of physical and intellectual access to the organisations, but finding ways for them to work more closely together.

They were both already experimenting with their public programmes, to raise their public profile and to attract more members. A Trustee of the Lit & Phil, Tony Henfrey, introduced Librarian Kay Easson and Marketing Manager Caroline Lievesley to Cinzia Hardy in March 2006 and they began to talk about the Lit & Phil as a possible site for what was to become The Novocastrian Philosophers’ Club.

The promenade production involved an audience of 15 at a time (all, for the duration of the performance, members of the Novocastrian Philosophers’ Club) walking through the Lit & Phil and the Mining Institute, literally following the story. The fictional characters were played by five professional actors, 11 members of the Northern Stage Performance Group, a rotating team of children (who appeared in non-speaking roles in one scene), the Librarian of the Lit & Phil and at some performances, the production’s director and producer (in the role of guides). Staff from both organisations and several members helped to make pre-recorded material that formed part of the performance, as well as being involved in front of house duties. The performance was supported by a professional production team providing pre-recorded sound and film, costumes, lighting and stage management.

There was an open rehearsal to which all staff were invited on 4th September, followed by 25 performances over 11 days between 5th and 16th September 2007. The first five days coincided with Newcastle’s Heritage Open Days and the performances were free. Tickets for other performances were £7 full price and £5 for concessions. The production sold out and was seen by 425 people.

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