The sun shone on the last weekend of Imagine Watford and boy it was a hot day. It took place at Garston Park, another one of the parks I hadn’t been to for over 30 years. The park is situated in the north of the borough. Cycling there was easy using the Beryl bikes but they should put a bike stop in the park. The nearest is too far away.
It was unfortunate that some of the events didn’t take place as they had COVID positive tests. But they managed to get replacements. The afternoon of performing arts was excellent, the only worry was to keep hydrated in the hot sun. There weren’t any food stalls, only ice cream this time. Some of the events were aimed at children and they seemed to have a good time, especially the mermaid and dancing. There weren’t that many people who came early on, there may have been more at the rainy weekend last week.
All in all, I think it was a success having the events in different parts of Watford, hopefully, next year when COVID is a footnote in history they will have the big acrobatic events in the high street. You can read more about the performances at King George V fields and Watford Fields here.
Born to Protest by Just Dance Theatre
A powerful performance aimed at breaking down presumptions about the black male. From intimidation, danger and isolation revealing instead fragility, vulnerability and constant battle to prove oneself. Beautifully choreographed and showed what most black people have to go through during their lives.
Choreographer Joseph Toonga works at creating environments to inspire, nurture and support. He is an artistic director at a Hip Hop company Just Dance Theatre.
Web: http://www.justusdancetheatre.com/
Sea Sphere by The Show Globe
A mermaid in a show globe blowing bubbles, the children just loved it. Perfect for the summer sunshine, though must have been hot for the mermaid.
Produced by The Show Globe, a husband and wife team Nikki and Tim Kennett. The events they produce range from circus and street theatre to film, celebrity weddings and corporate events.
Web: https://www.theshowglobe.co.uk
Folk Dance Remixed
Audience participation with dancing in the park, folk first and later Irish dancing.
Pramdemonium
Duke box playing in the park from this usual machine called the Pramdemonium.
The Whale by Circo Rum Ba Ba
Protect the oceans and recycle your plastic, this is an excellent fishy tale for kids. Bringing the message to the kids to protect the ocean. Bold explorers squeeze into the belly of an enormous inflatable Sperm Whale where they find themselves in the depths of the bubbling, kelp-swirling ocean. They encounter an acrobatic diver who leads them swimmingly through the age old journey of the life of an ancient Leatherback Turtle. With the use of exquisite puppets, comedy and music, Circo Rum Ba Ba explore the tale of sea creatures and their battle to survive in an ocean full of rubbish.
Produced by Circo Rub Ba Ba a well established, highly experienced women’s circus theatre company which fuses spectacular theatre with a diverse range of circus skills and disguise.
Web: http://www.circorumbaba.com
This was the last weekend of Imagine Watford 2021 hopefully it will be back next year, it’s been fun. Many thanks go out to the team at the Watford Palace Theatre for organising and all the helpers. Plus the amazing artists who make it a summer of fun in Watford. This is one of the reasons I moved back to Watford for its arts and culture. Check out more events in Cassiobury Park during the rest of the summer.
Thanks for reading, leave a comment below if you have been to Imagine Watford and what was your favourite performance? Sign up for my newsletter for the latest events happening around Watford and the South East each month.
Links
Imagine Watford – https://www.imaginewatford.co.uk
Palace Theatre – https://watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk
Flickr Photos – https://www.flickr.com/photos/alalchan/albums/72157719493281138
Instagram – http://instagram.com/alalchan
