Limited tickets still available for spectacular outdoor audio-visual show in Belfast’s Thompson Dock from 25-29 September
An immersive outdoor theatre experience which shines a spotlight on Belfast’s maritime heritage is heading for a sell-out performance as hundreds of showgoers have signed up to attend the world-first taking place in the city’s iconic slipways.
Shadowdock, a spectacular audio-visual display running from 25-29 September, will light up Thompson Dock with light and sound during a 30-minute sundown spectacle exploring the history of where Belfast began and its innovative plans for the future.
The unique show, developed by Henry Sykes (designer of Our Place in Space sculpture trail and flexible events venue Banana Block) and Belfast-based Three’s Theatre Company, and produced by lighting designers Conal Clapper and Alan Mooney, forms part of Belfast 2024, a cultural celebration of the city which presents a wide-ranging programme of creative local projects and events across 2024 and beyond.
Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Micky Murray, said;
“Shadowdock captures the essence of what our Belfast 2024 programme is all about – reconnecting people with our city, encouraging positive engagement with the world around us and inspiring us all to think creatively. It also explores the year’s core themes of People, Place and Planet. It’s fantastic to bring something so fresh and innovative to an area steeped in the city’s history and which reflects the ambition of our whole Belfast 2024 celebration.”
There are two different ways to view the show – either Above Deck, where visitors will look down at the lights and listen to the enchanting soundscape with narration on speakers, or Below Deck, which is an opportunity to dive deeper into the story of Belfast’s maritime heritage by descending 40 feet below sea level into the dock itself and walking through the lights in a fully immersive experience.
Creative Director Henry Sykes says it promises to be an unforgettable experience on a Titanic scale;
“We’re really excited to bring a world first to one of Belfast’s most famous landmarks. We’re working with a range of local talent to create a mesmerising show that nods to the rich heritage of this city, but also poses questions for its future. It’s about looking at things from a different perspective and that is why we have two ways to view the show, Above and Below Deck.”
The Thompson Dock location of the Shadowdock show has never before been used for an outdoor theatre performance of this scale, creating a world-first for the iconic venue.
The famous spot, known as the birthplace of Titanic, will become awash with lights, shadows, and a captivating soundscape created by award-winning composer Katie Richardson.
Shadowdock is commissioned by Belfast 2024 through Belfast City Council and supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and The Lightbody Foundation, as well as its venue partners Titanic Distillery, Catalyst and Maritime Belfast Trust.
Maeve Moreland, Destination Manager at Maritime Belfast Trust, commented;
“We’re delighted to be supporting this unique way to celebrate Belfast’s rich maritime history and explore what was once the largest dry dock in the world. To tie in with the experience, other parts of Belfast’s historic waterfront will be illuminated and animated so that guests will also get the opportunity to explore the Maritime Mile by night, with the Titanic Walkway, the Great Light and HMS Caroline all lit up as far as the Thompson Dock.”
Gary Lightbody from The Lightbody Foundation added;
“Shadowdock not only tells the story of the forgotten heritage of the amazing city of Belfast, but also asks questions about where it goes from here. We’re proud to help give a platform to the local talent behind this experience and who doesn’t love an outdoor show with a difference, and a stunning backdrop.”
The Shadowdock performance lasts for approximately 30 minutes and will take place from Wednesday 25 to Sunday 29 September. Tickets are free for under 5s, £5 for Above Deck and £10 for Below Deck (age 16+ and only accessible via 66 steep steps, uneven underfoot.)
For more information or to buy tickets go to www.shadowdock.co.uk
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