We’ve arrived in Bristol in 2018 and one of our very first memories was coming across the incredible The Granary building on Welsh Back. We never saw anything like it. Built in 1869, once used to dry grains, a hundred years after became home to The Granary club – where many well-known rock acts played, including Yes, Genesis, Motörhead, and Iron Maiden.
The history and the energy of the building inspired us to create ‘The Memory Keeper’ – A prototype live experience exploring site-specific original storytelling, and multi-tier formats. With a team of over 20 people, an extremely low budget, and less than two months between development and performance, we took everything we learned during the research process, and added a layer of fictional storytelling.
For one night only, we’ve re-opened the doors of the iconic building to bring music and art back to where they should have never left; we told the story through Erin’s memories and what he’s left behind. A secret, non-linear narrative that took audiences through a journey of exploration and interactivity.
As part of the research process, we’ve interviewed Al Read – The Granary Club’s author and former venue programmer who gave us access to incredible resources, including the original tapes that used to be played back in the days.
Hopefully whoever occupies the building has a love of rock music as they are sharing it with the ghosts of world’s finest rock musicians
Al Read – The Granary Club’s author and former programmer
Collaboratively with several creatives, each of them contributed to the storytelling utilising multi-mediums such visual art, music composition, sound installation and gastronomy.
A TERRIBLE THING TO WASTE
Interactive sound installation by Eduardo Gama
… a terrible thing to waste.
Sound installation with piezoelectric pickups and lavalier.
In the room fragments of past experiences are stored.
So Time, here, is of the utmost importance.
After all, nothing will ever be as it was. …and a memory will be the only thing that lasts.
CREDITS
Music Director & Composer Jemma Jeffery
Story Developer Mais Petrini
Executive Chef Oakan Brousse
Sous Chef Anna Lucy Stead
Sound Designer (Installation) Eduardo Gama
Visual Artist Jen Forrest
Poetry Corner & Photography Vanessa Figura
Light & Sound Engineer Cole Conner
Stage Manager Rachel Hinds
Production Assistant & Copywriter Matt Dixon
Production Assistant, Bar & Waiting Matt Kollat
Bar & Waiting Frankie Hassall
Front of House Emma Hirst
Tech Support Huw Sinclair
Sound and Lighting Equipment Production Audio
Piano Tuning Simon Hazelwood
Film Sean Delahay
Photography Nic Kane
ENSEMBLE
Piano Jemma Jeffery
Flute Rosie Maule
Violin Jess Townsend
Cello Tom McCluskey
Oboe Hilary Stavros
Electric Guitar Morgan Weeds
Lead Singer Sylvia Daley
LINE-UP
Young Waters
Sylvia Daley
Circes Diner
Belles of Moscow
THANK YOU IS PROBABLY NOT ENOUGH
Al Read, Victor Passini, Louise Kemp @ Bristol Old Vic, Melanie Jeffery, St Georges’ Bristol, Beehive Centre, Mickleburgh Musical Instruments.
