Evaluation Report
Phyllida Shaw, November 2007
Appendix 1
Verbatim audience feedback
By email
‘I was fortunate enough to be one of the people who saw the performance today and just wanted to say how fantastic I thought it was. Being a member of the Lit and Phil I'd seen the interior of the building many times but the piece you've created made me feel like I'd never really taken time to stop and look closely at what lay within. Everything about it was fabulous, from the intriguing notifications that had me wondering if it was one of those hugely eccentric but genuine organisations, the tremendous ability of the cast in bringing it to life, right through to the parting gift which now leaves me feeling as if I've been a central participant in something akin to a vast Victorian conjuring trick.
Many thanks for all your efforts, they won't be forgotten in a hurry!’
‘Thank you for the exquisite leaving gift... a fitting momento of a splendid evening...the attention to detail was a credit to the production company...a most enjoyable and thought provoking way to spend an evening...and a rare opportunity to admire this fabulous building from so many perspectives...thank you so much.’
‘Fabulous! (Literally, as well.) My guests and I enjoyed the evening very much and we look forward to more in the future. We think we’re witnessing the beginning of a new theatrical tradition in Newcastle.
PS Just satisfy my curiosity on one point, are you part of Northern Stage? I thought Northern Stage was just a receiving house for visiting productions; are you actually a permanent local theatre group?’
‘This has to be one of the most bizarre and surreal afternoons I have ever experienced, yet I thoroughly enjoyed it. I wasn`t always sure just exactly what was going on all of the time, but was always engaged and intrigued.
‘My favourite parts were the dining table with food made out of books and paper and the silent flights of the beautiful owl Whisper.
‘This was my first visit to the Lit & Phil and I was totally amazed at what is hidden behind that insignificant and anonymous door and I would love to come back for a proper look around sometime in the future.
‘More of this type of event please. More than 24 hours later I am still pondering on it. Congratulations and thank you to all concerned.’
‘Thank you for a simply wonderful and inspiring evening. I would be delighted to take part in any discussion in October – preferably in the evening around the committee room table at the Lit and Phil or in the Nicholas Wood Library. I have already put my name in the comments box as a volunteer.
‘I do hope that you will be able to create future events in this way as I would love to come again.
‘I have written the following piece detailing a few thoughts… if it is any use for publicity, feel free to use it.
‘I have just spent an enchanting evening on an incredible journey which took me down the rabbit hole as Alice, through the jungle to Narnia where I met with Nicholas Wood.
‘With my fellow travellers I climbed Margaret Drabble’ s waterfall touching the carefully dusted banister, till I reached a polished oval table to drink tea to the ticking of the library’s clock.
‘At my journey’s end, a box awaited beribboned and unique, containing secrets whispered on arrival at the issue desk to the sound of water dripping into a bucket with the resonance of tin.
‘As a result, I have resolved that I must join the haunt of the Novocastrians as a permanent member so that I can relive this voyage of discovery in the deepest recesses of my mind.’
‘I had not been into the Lit and Phil or the Mining Institute before last Friday. I didn’t know what to expect from the performance, but I was delighted by everything and found it an intense and memorable experience.
‘Images, sounds and ideas have stayed in my mind since Friday, and I find myself coming back to think about it all again and again. I don’t know what it all meant, but it was such an imaginative and moving way to develop a relationship with a building and its sense of history that I didn’t mind whether I understood it or not. I wanted to tell everybody what had happened, but found it almost impossible – words don’t do it justice and you had to be there to understand. I’m only sorry that my family have been unable to share the experience as the tickets seem to have gone!
‘The most memorable images for me came from the conference room, with the table decked out with cakes and sandwiches made from books, and I loved the way we had to sit around the table. The owl’s flight was also mesmerizing.
‘I loved the sounds coming from the wall of books, and the way we had to be active and move around, and take part in everything. The box given to us at the end felt very special, and I have to say that I’ve looked through it all very carefully which is more than I can say for most print materials that get into my hands these days! Thank you for everything. I felt nurtured from the moment I stepped into the Lit and Phil and you looked after my bag for me, until the moment I left and you gave me the box.
‘The only thing I didn’t enjoy was the smoke machine. Asthma is a problem for me so I was a bit uncomfortable trying to breathe in there.
‘Also – and this is hard to explain – at the start, I thought I had to work hard to notice details, in case we had to solve a puzzle or something, and as I went round I thought I would mind that many of the details I was noticing seemed to be irrelevant to the actual “story” – but as the evening progressed, I stopped being bothered and just enjoyed noticing things for their own sake. Well done, I suppose you got my brain to relax late on a Friday night after a hard week at work – not an easy thing sometimes…(I’ll have to remember that all it takes is a cast of thousands, an owl and a wacky waterproof).
Please pass on my thanks to everyone concerned. I wish more people could enjoy the experience!’
‘The performance was a delightful, enlightening, sequential odyssey. It was enhanced by being propelled forward with perfect timing adding to this extraordinary experience. The attention to detail was stunning.
‘It was my first visit to the Lit & Phil and I most certainly would come again.’
‘Thank you for an excellent performance last night. It was something different and stimulating. Nice to come to something with a small group where a lot of individual care had been taken clearly! The buildings are terrific - it makes you want to come and explore them and their role in the history of the region (and the world) further as this is a real gem. Few people know the quality that exists in these buildings - they really are exceptional. Many of the group had not been before so it was a very good way for them to get a taste of the buildings. Very memorable.’
‘Although I had no real idea what to expect, I was, in the circumstances, exceptionally fortunate to get tickets for last night’s performance – I haven’t enjoyed a theatrical piece so much for years! In more depth:
‘Being part of a small audience added a degree of intimacy that, in effect, made us more members of the cast than members of an audience. I felt, near the beginning, that some of us were getting access to bits of information that others were missing – I heard all about the book covers, for example, but wasn’t among the small number who were told about the chess player – but in retrospect this only increased the intimacy and ensured that the experience of each member of the audience was unique.
‘The attention to detail in the set design bordered on the obsessive (in this case, that’s a positive!). From the book-themed table-setting in the Committee Room through to the surrealistic dressing of the statues, everywhere you looked your eye was caught by something – though whether the placing of such items was part of the play or part of the normal fabric of the library is another matter. One advantage of this was that each member of the audience inevitably brought her or his own experience to the piece, further rendering each performance unique (fifteen times over!).
‘The standard of the acting was very high indeed. I would have been hard put to distinguish between the professionals and the amateurs.
‘The script was a sheer delight. There were recognisable elements – at times it was as though we were inside a Borges short story, at other times Alice ’s Adventures – but the overall effect was idiosyncratic, thought-provoking and utterly engaging.
‘One small niggle was that I found the basement snake sequence a little drawn-out for what it delivered, but my biggest complaint is that I wasn’t able to go round a second time. I have a suspicion that each visit could have resulted in a substantially different experience!
‘In short, I loved it – and would be more than willing to return in October for an informal discussion with other people who shared the same experience …or not, if my suspicion is correct!’
‘Just a note to thank you all for a marvellous performance on Friday night. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and the little refrains/leitmotifs - owls, waterfalls, chess etc are still buzzing around. Thanks too for the charming prezzies at the end. Do please keep me informed of further journeys...’
‘Thank you for transporting us for a while into a surreal, incomprehensible yet fascinating world far removed from the realities of the day. A totally absorbing experience.
‘The spectacular sound and light effects, the actors, the planning and the production overall were so much appreciated and everyone responsible for this splendidly whimsical piece of entertainment should be congratulated.
‘As members of the Lit' & Phil' we would certainly be interested in future events, and in an informal discussion in October.’
‘I'd like to say thank you for the ticket to see the Novocastrians Philosophers Club on 7 Sept. I really enjoyed the performance, I thought that it was totally bonkers (in the nicest possible way) and so it really appealed to me.
‘In answer to the questions:
‘I have been to both the Lit and Phil and Mining Institute before and I particularly like the atmosphere at the Lit and Phil so would like to go again. I found everything surprising, as I've never experienced anything of the sort before. I would like to see more of this type of work. The only part I didn't like was the smoke as it irritated my throat slightly.’
‘Hello actors, actresses, writer, director, librarians, miners, owl, and janitors (sorry if missed anyone). Here are some comments.
1. No I/we had not been to the Lit & Phil or Mining Institute before.
2. Yes I/we would come again. In fact my lass would like to know how to join the library.
3. Surprising about the performance
- A unique offering and a wonderful memory (not too easy to come by)
- Every time I walk past those closed doors I will remember that adventure and pondering to myself what is on the other side today. Dare the doors open to me again to reveal a new experience or will I be disappointed. I hope not.
4. Yes I would love to see more of this type of work. I have been [to] one play like this before (promenade - maybe the right word, not sure, where audience and actors on stage/space together). I wanted to go to one on Isle of Skye; more of a performing arts event; but similar in principle.
5. Yes, I would participate in a focus group. Whether I can is another matter, but try me.
6. Thanks to all involved. There is much I can write about it, so ask away if you want to know more.
PS Loved the gift - many thanks’
‘Good afternoon,
‘I just wanted to comment on the Novocastrian Philosophers Club, which I was lucky enough to see last Saturday. It really was utterly fantastic. The way you used the venue was so clever and the story thought provoking. I loved the idea of exploring the Lit&Phil, down with the snake in the basement, through the jungle, all of it was just so clever and original. I really felt like I was part of the adventure.
‘Thanks too for the Novocastrian gift box! I would love to see something like this in future, simply superb.’
‘A very intriguing evening - which is what you were aiming for.
‘Yes, I would like to see more of this kind of work, since you ask. Also I would be pleased to return for informal discussion some time in October, but subject to my availability, which is not certain at the moment.
‘In the event of any other such performance I should like a leaflet/booklet beforehand, included, say, with the purchase of the tickets to give a little more guidance 9without removing the mystery). Yes, it is work of the imagination, but I needed the help given by Alison Andrews' note on one of the cards in my box. This now makes me look anew and understand better (not yet fully) the alternatives presented to us, for the conversations to be understood as a link across the time-axis. I could have done with some prior help to be aware of what
were the seeds for the imagination of others.
‘Altogether fascinating!’
‘I was at the performance at the Lit & Phil on September 12th – I thought it was brilliant. A lovely intertwining of individual narrative and intellectual history, engaging, moving and thought provoking. So many careful little touches, like the food in the dining room, the voices in the books, the nuances in the dialogue. Excellent!’
Feedback by card
‘Nice.’
‘Weird.’
‘Excellent.’
‘Different!’
‘Marvellous.’
‘Brilliant and beautiful.’
‘Wonderfully inventive.’
‘A surreally wonderful experience.’
‘A delightful and intriguing experience.’
‘Fabulous. I want to do it again.’
‘Very fabulous – but I don’t know why.’
‘Absolutely excellent.’
‘Fantastic. A charming adventure.’
‘Enjoyed it immensely. Fascinating.’
‘Brilliant. Really love it. Especially the small details.’
‘Thank you for my most magical journey.’
‘Moving, spellbinding, demented…sublime.’
‘Fantastic. Original idea brilliantly executed.’
‘Brilliant, brilliant, brilliant. I wish I had booked for every show.’
‘It was fabulous, imaginative, delicate, intelligent. Beautifully conceived, confidently performed.’
‘A superb adventure through everything books have to offer. Lit & Phil will always remember.’
‘A really entertaining, different and intelligent production. So well planned.’
‘Most interesting and thought provoking.’
‘Excellent show. Most unusual. Well done. Good journey.’
‘Loved it. All surprising and yes please – more.’
‘I liked the bridge between the Lit & Phil and the Mining Institute.’
‘Great idea but baffling in terms of narrative. Fantastic building.’
‘Excellent, entertaining use of the space. Very, very good.’
‘Excellent way to bring the buildings to life.’
‘What a wonderful experience. My friends were bowled over by the performance.’
‘Superb. What a fantastic way to explore the buildings. Great show.’
‘A beautiful, playful and thought-provoking performance. Thoroughly enjoyed.’
‘Completely lovely. I wept twice. Extremely well done.’
‘Please photograph the tea table with book food and use it as your postcard.’
‘Bonkers! Never been to anything like it. So glad we came.’
‘Enjoyed the trip. Fascinating. A bit mystified.’
‘Did not know what to expect, but quite an experience.’
‘I work in the buildings. Great transformation. Could we keep the talking books and the stuffed animals reading in the children’s section please? The owl was amazing, coming out through the mist. I would love postcards of that image and the book dinner in the committee room too, please.’
‘I have worked at the Lit & Phil and the Mining Institute for the past 23 years. I thoroughly enjoyed the performance of the Novocastrians. The acting was very professional and there was an awful lot of thought and work which had gone on. I certainly saw the two buildings in a different light and felt I had been at the Mad Hatter’s tea party. Well done.’
‘Great venue. Glad we took the tour of both buildings Saturday morning. An actor per audience member – amazing. Missed getting wet in the waterfall! Thank you for all the hard work put it. We love theatre with a difference.’
‘Well done. Had tears for the song, laughter for the mechanicals, sighed at the girls packing, passion for the love between Beatrice and Deasy, resentment at not winning roulette, gasped at the owl and once again, in awe of the magic a group of artists can weave when glorious space is animated through performance.’
‘A truly magical experience. Thanks very much – and a great treat to see this institution / building I have heard of but never entered.’
‘Wow! An eye-popping, multi-sensory journey. Entertaining and enchanting. I loved how you used the space. I will never forget the sight of Whisper, the owl, flying across the Miners’ Institute.’
‘Really intrigued by the piece. Found it a very satisfying, engaging experience. Well done all. Interior/external journeys great. Would definitely come again. And yes, much more of this please.’
‘Absolutely, fabulously barking mad! Thoroughly enjoyed this slightly uncomfortable journey – but any journey is and should be slightly uncomfortable. My suspicious nature shown in my distrust of the tea! Actors wonderful. Can I take the cleaner home, please?’
‘Magic, imaginative and innovative. As a member, I see the Lit & Phil in a new light. Thank you. P.S. Loved the owl!’
‘I thought this was a fascinating opportunity to look inside this library and interesting production too.’
‘Excellent use of building and contents. Interesting juxtaposition of different elements. Brilliant!’
‘Most surprising thing – being offered tea, or the owl (can’t decide). Have not been here previously but would now seriously consider being a member. Loved the interactive aspect of the experience and the element of the absurd. Want more!’
‘Very good. First time seeing something like this and thought everyone and the building were fab.’
‘Excellent. Well done. Thank you so much. Also for the surprise in my box (not yet opened).’
‘Never experienced anything similar. I feel I will be talking about the performance for months or maybe years to come. Wonderful, fun, confusing, funny. Thank you.’
‘A sort of Northern People Show. A bit too fragmented for me but any experience is useful!’
‘Good. Surprising, despite spoilers. Definite sense of atmosphere. Enjoyed the personalisation of the group experience.’
‘Who wrote this? What is devised? Are any more promenade productions planned? Well done.’
‘Very good and atmospheric. Enjoyed characterisations. Great location. Good stuff.’
‘V good acting and tour of Lit & Phil. Theme a little disjointed. Needs more work to it.’
‘A satirical masterpiece of inspired inconsequentiality. Please repeat.’
‘Absolutely mad and eccentric. A great night out, Beautifully conceived and a wonderful visit to this incredibly building. I will return.’
‘I want to tell you how much I enjoyed Captain Deasy’s travels on Friday evening. They were a spectacle of revelation and discovery, as promised. My imagination was stimulated and provoked philosophical thoughts and intimations of mortality. Please thank the members of Northern Stage and the staff of the library.’
‘A really interesting evening and very thought provoking. A casino in the Mining Institute would solve all our problems forever! As for the owl…’
Appendix 2
Contributors to this report
Alison Andrews, director
Brian Bennison, President of the Literary and Philosophical Society
Jo Cundall, Participation and Programming Coordinator, Northern Stage
Kay Easson, Librarian, The Literary & Philosophical Society
Richard Gray, Development Director, The North East Institute
Cinzia Hardy, Producer
Maurice O’Connell, contributing artist and company member
Stuart Porthouse, President of the North East Institute of Mining and Mechanical Engineers
Members of the Northern Stage Performance Group who took part in the discussion on 16th September: Deveral Capps, Adele Evitt, Roy Farmer, James Fisher, Pam Gibb, Alwyn Gornall, Teresa Kirby, Chris Moad, Bill Pickard and Eileen Sandy.
Participants in the audience focus group on 11th October: Peter Aughton, Suzanne McGregor, Veronica Miller, Inge Rebergen, Louise Reeve
Participants in the public forum, at the Lit & Phil, on 17th October, to discuss ‘the making of the Novocastrian Philosophers’ Club and the role of site-specific theatre within the cultural landscape of the North East of England’.
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