About
Gecko and Mind the Gap present
a little space
What does it mean to you to have a little space?
A little space where we can escape the world and be ourselves. Where we can say whatever we want, do whatever we feel and where no-one will ever bother us.
But it can be an unpredictable space too, where voices are funnelled away, fears leak through the floorboards, songs light up the room and you never know who’s listening behind the door.
A place where whispers come to life and one kind gesture could change everything.
Following on from the international success of Gecko’s first associate show The Dreamer (2016) and Mind the Gap’s giant outdoor spectacle ZARA (2019), these two performance powerhouses join forces for a captivating production.
Mind the Gap’s Charli Ward and Karen Bartholomew team up with Gecko Devising Performer Dan Watson, Associate Directors Rich Rusk and Helen Baggett, Designer Rhys Jarman, Lighting Designer Chris Swain Composer Dave Price and Sound Designer Mark Melville.
Supported by Arts Council England; Commissioned by HOME, Manchester and The Place, London
Trailer
a little space Trailer
Watch the trailer for a little space…
What to expect
Set in an apartment block, this devised show follows the lives of five people and explores what happens when they connect and disconnect from each other, whether through choice or through isolation. Drawing on the performers’ own experiences, a little space is a powerful piece of physical theatre, which uses movement, imagery, sound and lighting to portray the needs, desires and fears of the characters.
Mind the Gap has an internationally respected methodology and approach to its work and is considered a beacon for learning disability arts and artists; a little space is their first physical theatre production. Gecko’s style is both physically demanding and emotionally honest, using breath as an anchor to explore movement and emotion. The company strives to make their work open to interpretation and put their audience at the heart of the narrative – an ethos that has been reflected in the devising of a little space as we ask you, the audience, how it feels to be alone.
Sound World
For D/deaf or hearing impaired audiences, you can find out more about the music and sounds that appear in a little space in the Sound World document.
About Gecko
Founded in 2001; Gecko is an award-winning and internationally-acclaimed physical theatre company, led by Artistic Director Amit Lahav. A Gecko show is visual, visceral, ambitious theatre crafted to inspire, move and entertain.
With an expanding ensemble of international performers and makers, Gecko works across diverse age groups, nationalities and forms, and creates work through collaboration, experimentation and play. The company tours nationally and internationally and continues to develop strong partnerships around the world. Beyond the stage, Gecko aspires to open the doors on their process through an extensive education programme and digital presence.
Creatives
Created by Karen Bartholomew, Rich Rusk, Charli Ward and Dan Watson
Devising Performers:
Paul Bates
Lorraine Brown
Alison Colborne
JoAnne Haines
Charlotte Jones
Producers: Rosalind Wynn (for Gecko) & Deborah Dickinson (for Mind the Gap)
Design: Rhys Jarman
Lighting Design: Chris Swain
Original Music: Dave Price
Sound Design: Mark Melville
Associate Director: Helen Baggett
Associate Designer: Becky-Dee Trevenen
Production Manager: Ben Pugh
Company Manager: Melissa Conyers
Technical Stage Manager: Lee Silcock
During creation and 2019 touring:
Production Manager: Hannah Blamire
Re-lighter/Operator: Symon Culpin
Photographs by Chris Payne and Tom Woollard