Terra Incognita/Here Be Dragons, Tower Bridge
It takes a lot of gear to be the world's most famous lifting bridge, and the space that stores it is the most surprising venue in town
Beneath the tourist's view of Tower Bridge there is a secret venue
Deep in the cavernous works of Tower Bridge's lifting system, a new site-specific light and sound installation lets those in the know into an area normally out of bounds to visitors.
Degree artists from the Guildhall School follow up on the outstanding success of the Bascule Chamber Concerts with Totally Thames a couple of years agone, when musicians were placed along the whole length of the upper walkway.
Terra Incognita and Here be Dragons – terms for uncharted territory – are inspired by the atmospheric Bascule Chamber itself. Audience members are given headphones as they descend from road level to the Chamber for a unique immersive experience combining light, sound, and projected imagery.
The installation encourages the audience to look beyond the surface of their city. Its creators are on the three-year Performance and Creative Enterprise degree course, linked to the Barbican Centre: musicians, composers, theatre makers, devisors, spoken word artists, beatboxers and poets work side by side, pooling their talents before they go into the arts industry full-time.
Tickets at £30 per person include access to the Chamber and the performance. Tickets at £35 guests also allow admission to the Tower Bridge Exhibition with its Glass Floor, Victorian Engine Rooms and current exhibition – work by the renowned photographer Martin Parr, chronicler of London and creator of the new BBC television idents.
Space is limited, so book soon, say the organisers. Wear outdoor clothing, woolly socks – and an extra jumper.
Degree artists from the Guildhall School follow up on the outstanding success of the Bascule Chamber Concerts with Totally Thames a couple of years agone, when musicians were placed along the whole length of the upper walkway.
Terra Incognita and Here be Dragons – terms for uncharted territory – are inspired by the atmospheric Bascule Chamber itself. Audience members are given headphones as they descend from road level to the Chamber for a unique immersive experience combining light, sound, and projected imagery.
The installation encourages the audience to look beyond the surface of their city. Its creators are on the three-year Performance and Creative Enterprise degree course, linked to the Barbican Centre: musicians, composers, theatre makers, devisors, spoken word artists, beatboxers and poets work side by side, pooling their talents before they go into the arts industry full-time.
Tickets at £30 per person include access to the Chamber and the performance. Tickets at £35 guests also allow admission to the Tower Bridge Exhibition with its Glass Floor, Victorian Engine Rooms and current exhibition – work by the renowned photographer Martin Parr, chronicler of London and creator of the new BBC television idents.
Space is limited, so book soon, say the organisers. Wear outdoor clothing, woolly socks – and an extra jumper.
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| What | Terra Incognita/Here Be Dragons, Tower Bridge |
| Nearest tube | Tower Hill (underground) |
| When |
17 Feb 17 – 19 Feb 17, Times vary; 16 performances 11am to 9pm |
| Price | £30 - £35 |
| Website | Click here for more information and booking |