Thompson Dock, known as the birthplace of Titanic, is getting ready to become awash with light and sound as the immersive outdoor show “Shadowdock” puts the city’s maritime heritage in the spotlight.
Hundreds of tickets have set sail as showgoers from across Northern Ireland are expected to make their voyage along the Maritime Mile to attend a world first for the iconic slipways.
The audience will embark on an audio-visual journey, exploring the history of where Belfast began, and choosing what part they can play in its future. The 30-minute, sundown spectacle will run from 25-29 September is all part of the Belfast 2024 programme of cultural celebrations.
Anna Leckey is Director of Three’s Theatre Company, who are one of the partners behind the project, she explains how there are two ways to enjoy this unforgettable experience: “The spectacle is all about looking at things from a different perspective and that is why we have two ways to view the show, Above and Below Deck.
“You can view from the top of the dock, down at the lights and hear the enchanting soundscape with narration on speakers, or you can dive deeper into the story with headphones by descending 40 feet below sea level into the dock itself, and walking through the lights, creating shadows, in a fully immersive experience.
“We’re delighted to now offer another night to enjoy the show as we’ve extended its run to include Wednesday night too, so there are plenty of chances to get down to see it.”
From the creative minds of designer Henry Sykes (Our Place In Space, Banana Block) and Three’s Theatre Company, this mesmerising light show, produced by lighting designers Conal Clapper and Alan Mooney, is accompanied by 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, thanks to National Lottery players, The Lightbody Foundation and Maritime Belfast Trust. With special thanks to venue partners Titanic Distillery, Catalyst.
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.”
The location has never before been used for an outdoor show of this scale creating a world first for the iconic venue.
Margaret Henry, Head of Engagement at The National Lottery Heritage Fund said: “We are so pleased to support Shadowdock, one of ten exciting Belfast 2024 Our Future Heritage projects which are using £250,000 of heritage funding made possible by National Lottery players to explore Belfast’s heritage.
“Together, cultural organisations, artists and community groups are providing opportunities for people to engage with the City’s built, cultural, industrial, maritime, natural and intangible heritage uncovering forgotten or overlooked sites and stories.
“It’s wonderful to see Thompson Dry Dock used so creatively as a performance space.”
Maeve Moreland is Destination Manager at Maritime Belfast Trust: “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.”
The 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
