What is Bush Bazaar?
Bush Bazaar is an immersive theatre experience - not a 'traditional' bazaar. The whole building is being taken over by Theatre Delicatessen and their artists; every room will have a different performance in it. The audience walk round the building and watch/experience the performances that interest them.
How many artists and companies are there?
There are over 20 different companies and artists. Their performances will take place in the bar, garden, studio, attic, stairwell, auditorium - even the ladies loo will have a show going on...
Do I have to pay for each individual show?
Some performance spaces are 'free spaces' (the bar, the garden) but in most areas performers will ask for some form of payment for their show. They usually suggest a guide price, which is minimal – from 10p to a couple of pounds. But remember, this is a guide price - you are free to haggle them down.
How much do I have to pay? Do I have to pay at all after paying my cover charge?
You pay whatever you want to - after the entrance cost there are no fixed prices, so what you pay for each show is up to you. You can also pay how you want - not necessarily with money - however, our artists may haggle with you so be prepared to barter!
How much interaction will there be?
It depends on what show you see - some will involve a lot of interaction, some are pieces that you'll just watch and observe. But you don't need to be shy - our performers will be kind to newcomers to immersive theatre! You are free to create your own experience. The idea is that it is a marketplace – you are completely in control and you can choose which performances you would like to see.
What kind of stuff will be taking place?
'Village Fete' in the Auditorium: The council have withdrawn funding from the villages annual Fete, but this rag tag group of locals are holding their own, illegally, lead by a very enthusiastic maths teacher. Expect lots of different stalls, bunting, and scenes of village life - which you'll partake in.
'Stuff' in the men's loo: Enter a horder’s home, see them in their natural habitat – like an animal in a burrow. Audience members have the chance to 'trade' objects - so bring something to swap! A story-telling piece.
'The Day Shall Declare It' in the Attic: A contemporary dance piece; beautiful, poignant, haunting.
'Trust Fund' in the Studio: Trust Fund explores the privatisation of childhood through an immersive performance with a life of its own... We are told we’re running out of resources, so can the next generation be our greatest asset? Exploring the line between exploitation and growth, the audience are challenged to play the market, and bid on children as investments.
When I enter the building, can I literally roam wherever the fancy takes me, or is there a set route?
Yes you just roam where you want to - there is no fixed route. You are free to explore and interact with the companies and performances in which ever way you choose. Often, most people find there is more on than they can possibly see in one night, so they have to choose which performances most interest them - or what they stumble across.
If I roam where I want to, how does it work if a scripted piece say is half way through - can they come in mid way, or do they have to wait until the next cycle?
This is up to the companies, but usually the audience doesn't join a performance half way through. There is a large blackboard in the entrance that details all of the performances - this is in the style of an old stockmarket trading board. You can plan their own experience according to this. But if you miss a show or piece first time round - just go back later. The shows will be on loop throughout the evening so you have lots of chances to see things.
Do artists and companies ask for money/payment up front at the door, or after they've shown their piece?
The companies ordinarily charge an 'entrance fee' to their performance - before the performance starts. But what they ask for is a ‘guide’ price – and you can pay what you want – and how you want. Why not bring some homemade cake/a bunch of flowers/some bric-a-brac of your own to trade and ‘pay’ with?
So do I need to bring lots of money with me?
Bring some change but you really don’t need to spend lots of money – set your budget and stretch it as far as you can. This could be £5 for the evening, or £10, but it's up to you. Or, as mentioned above, decide on your own way to pay...
How long is the evening? If I arrive at 7 do I have to leave at 830 before the next entrance?
If you come at 7 you don't need to leave at 830 - you are welcome to stay on, just bear in mind another influx of people will be coming in. The building closes at 11; you can stay as long as you want up until then.
