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Acrojou - ‘The Wheel House’ Supported by Without Walls
Groundbreaking visual art and acrobatics company 'Acrojou' defy gravity and conventions with The Wheel House: an entire home captured in a fish eye lens; a cylindrical journey into the surreal world within; a kaleidoscopic piece of rolling theatre! Blending acrobatics, surreal comedy, stunning visuals, and a two-metre diameter cylindrical home, the characters expose their clanking and comically beautiful universe in this giant Petri dish of highly original theatre.
 www.xtrax.org.uk/acrojou
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Artizani - 'Desert Island Discs'
Imagine a tropical desert island complete with castaway, gramophone; and flotsam and jetsam. Surreal, comic, tragic and a little bit crazy, Artizani's new show compresses 20 years of isolation into 30 minutes of mayhem.
www.xtrax.org.uk/artizani
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Avanti Display - 'Leak'
Some locals are experiencing bizarre events: water spurting out of TV's and iPODs, The Archers coming out of taps; newsflashes appearing in the bathroom steam. A company is brought in to investigate… a situation is being monitored… A V.I.P. visits… Spray begins to fly...
www.xtrax.org.uk/avantidisplay
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Bash Street Theatre - 'The Station'
In a dilapidated railway station, in the age of steam, a band of musicians cause havoc as they make their way to a Grand Concert. The station staff's day is made worse by a gang of art thieves on the look out for stolen masterpieces. An hour-long, silent movie style show, with an East European Flavour.
www.xtrax.org.uk/bashstreettheatre
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Bedouin Jerry Can Band
BJB is a collective of semi-nomadic musicians, singers, poets, storytellers and coffee grinders from the Egyptian Sinai desert. Using ancient Pharonic instruments and junk percussion the band offer a fascinating insight into their culture whilst offering up freshly ground Arabic coffee to members of the audience.
www.xtrax.org.uk/bedouinjerrycanband
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Beleza
Three talented musicians who share a passion for Samba, Bossa Nova & Musica Popular of Brazil.
www.xtrax.org.uk/beleza
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Boni - ‘In situ’
Packed full of fun and action, Boni entertains and seduces their audiences with a dynamic mix of music, juggling, unicycling and humour.
www.xtrax.org.uk/boni
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Bureau of Silly Ideas - 'Shirt or Squirt'
Two riders compete in an endurance cycle challenge to be first to empty their pedal-powered water tank. The winner gets the glory and the loser gets squirted with water!
www.xtrax.org.uk/bureauofsillyideas
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Cocoloco- ‘Alice and Alice'
Alice through the Looking Glass reflects on her image and sees her darker side. Poetic, funny and a little naughty, as girls the Alices talk in unison and perform as mirror opposites.
Duel in the Song - Two cowboys face each other; their weapons megaphones, that play the great Western themes. Only one tough guy can win.
www.xtrax.org.uk/cocoloco
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Comic Character Creations - 'The King's Mews Culinary Guild Cake Stall'
The King's Mews Culinary Guild Cake Stall raises money for Overeaters Anonymous. All your favourites are hear - Lemon Drizzle, Coffee and Walnut, Victoria Sponge plus 'Ice you own cupcake!' demonstrations. Lend us your support!
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Company Fierce and Walk the Plank
'Gulliver's Boom Box' Supported by Without Walls
A dynamic collaboration between established street theatre company Walk The Plank and a premier Manchester dance collective Company Fierce. Redeveloped in partnership with Jonzi D, the piece time travels its audience through the various chapters in street dance using a giant ghetto blaster as a music system and a stage.
www.xtrax.org.uk/companyfiercewalktheplank
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Deli Babies- 'A Tasty Selection of Greek and Klezmer'
Performed on electric guitar/bouzouki and c clarinet, Deli Babies play tantalising and atmospheric mix of traditional and improvised Greek, Rembetiko and Klezmer music- with a twist. From Old Smyrna to modern day Manchester, Deli Babies play music to stir your soul and lift your spirits.
www.xtrax.org.uk/delibabies
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Desperate Men - ‘Darwin and the Dodo’
The whole panoply of earthly existence is disemboweled and hung out to dry in this show about the mystery of mysteries evolution creation extinction. Does god play dice with the universe? Did dodos die out because we did them in? Why did Darwin spend eight years with only barnacles for company? What did his wife play on the piano? Could all the species in the earth fit in the arc? What did the polar bears say when they got out on Mount Ararat… and who cares? Featuring the massively bearded Charles Darwin with a life size puppet dodo.
www.xtrax.org.uk/desperatemen
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Digital Funfair- 'Boredbrand's Digital Funfair'
Boredbrand's Digital Funfair is here to contribute a unique attraction to any event. Combining digital technology, dance music, film and stuff we find lying around in the street we create audience-led experience that people enjoy and remember.
www.xtrax.org.uk/digitalfunfair
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Dodgy Totty - 'Trip, Light, Fantastic and Co'
In what appears to be an ordinary office an extraordinary day unfolds. Take a peek inside the offices of Trip, Light and Fantastic: Purveyors of Fine English Legwork.
www.xtrax.org.uk/dodgytotty
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Fair Play - 'Fairly Fresh Fish Co.'
A seafood tray is held in front of two fishmongers by fake hands. As the sell their wares the fishmongers secretly animate all the products and sea creatures on the tray. See the prawns dancing and the octopus come to life. Witness stirrings in the jellied eel jar and worry what's in their seafood smoothie! Eye catching and superbly silly.
www.xtrax.org.uk/fairplay
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Fine Artistes - 'Studio in the Street'
Fine Artistes are a company of performers and fine artists whose mission is to create interactive performance pieces based on the visual arts.
www.xtrax.org.uk/fineartistes
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Fraser Hooper and Matt Rudkin - 'Inside Out'
A brand new show for 2008. Two friends are locked out of the one place they call home, the street. With original music, live percussion, sound effects and a front door key these two clowns bring the house down and then move in. Contemporary clowning meets cartoon calamities, an inside out spectacular by two of the UK's finest clowns.
www.xtrax.org.uk/fraserhooper
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Frenetic Engineering- 'Les Femmes Fatales'
Glamorous and efficient hoofer Millie is thwarted by her incompetent partner who with all the enthusiasm in the world doesn't quite make the grade! The hopeless Mabel muddles through lying on broken glass, bad magic and then comes the real test - sandwich making followed by throwing knives at her volunteers. The girls finish triumphant (hopefully!) with a hot finale of fire eating and body burning.
www.xtrax.org.uk/freneticengineering
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Frolicked - 'Never Too Old to Busk '
Come and watch a Grandpa with an undeniable musical talent and a feisty Grandma battle it out for your attention and affections - it's a love story with a difference as they gradually join forces to prove that you're never really too old to busk... 'Arthur the Usher ' - The Royal Exchange Theatre in Manchester has invited Frolicked Puppet Theatre to provide one of their most efficient and service driven ushers for all your required needs. Our staff members are keen to make your theatre trip as enjoyable as possible. Temporary usher executive Arthur will be checking tickets and doing his rounds from 6 - 7pm! See you there!
www.xtrax.org.uk/frolicked
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Gracie Spoon - 'Magic Ambulant'
Gracie blows in on the north wind pedalling stories from the four corners of the globe. Gracie, a Wordsmith and Magician, is descended from a long line of Pedlar women who roamed the country weaving magical stories and selling tiny trinkets and crafts. Tall tales, close up magic make and an irresistible little show.
www.xtrax.org.uk/danslapoche
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In2nation
A Hang is a melodious percussive steel musical instrument that uses some of the same physical principles as a steel drum but is a fascinating instrument in its own right. In the hands of Michael Colley, the Pan Art hang is a new revolution in the acoustics of metal, playing infectious grooves and
mystical melodies.
www.xtrax.org.uk/in2nation
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Kinetic Theatre - 'Entrée'
A tasty slice of black comedy, where entertainment comes with silver
service. Chef's prize dish is on the menu, but it's a little undercooked....
Remove the lid, and the prize dish is still alive. The delectable head on a
platter is hungry, but it is attended by a waiter reluctant to feed it.
And so the head turns to enlist the help of the audience...
www.xtrax.org.uk/kinetictheatre
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The Klezmer Gourmets - 'Klezmer Gourmet Walkabout'
Klezmer Gourmets (Michael Kahan & Ros Hawley) perform Klezmer Music, originating from Jewish traditions, with other nomadic culture influences, including Lithuanian, Ottoman and Balkan.
www.xtrax.org.uk/klezmergourmets
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Le Tennis
Two over-excited athletes and an eccentric umpire for an outstanding meeting…The champions of the circus tennis confront each other during a friendly match organized by the International Circus Tennis Federation. On an improvised court, juggling clubs shootings and backhand drives follow one another along a frantic rhythm. Strength and agility, suspense and blows : on this tennis court you can find the sign of Mc Enroe, the rage of Connors and the fun of Lendl…
www.xtrax.org.uk/letennis
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Lempen Puppet Theatre - 'Theatre for One'
'Riverbed Dive' - Enjoy a calming journey amidst a busy town centre. Dive to the riverbed without getting wet and find out who lives there…
'Dan's Baby' - An in-utero private view of Europe's first “pregnant man”. Watch the cute, but rather strange baby as it moves in the belly.
www.xtrax.org.uk/lempenpuppettheatre
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Los Kaos- 'Polar Bear'
Come and meet Bjorn the Polar Bear and his handler Ursula. Find what its like to get close to one of these amazing creatures, and learn about their habits and environment.
www.xtrax.org.uk/loskaos
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Motionhouse- 'Underground' Supported by Without Walls
Performed by 4 dancers within a rotating, rocking tubular structure Underground uses stunningly physical dance, poignant imagery and surprising aerial encounters to explore the new reality of train travel: the compressed intimacy of a crowded carriage, the stranger asleep on your shoulder, the crush of personal space, the studied ignoring of our fellow humans and the tight fear of a dangerous stranger in the current climate of suspicion.
www.xtrax.org.uk/motionhouse
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Oko Sokolo -'Today's circus: Living room'
Episodes of an amorous and volatile encounter are depicted by Oko Sokolo. Gracefully they trace the first moments of contact before hurling their characters onwards onto a turbulent world of desire, jealousy, doubts, power struggles and mind games. Combining elements of dance and circus, Oko Sokolo draws the viewer into their tender, playful and absurd world where they dispense with words to make their bodies tell the story.
www.xtrax.org.uk/okosokolo
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Paschale Straiton - 'The Séance' Supported by Without Walls
Psychic medium Madame Narcosis (aka Hazel Smith) is waiting for you to step across her threshold. When you are sitting comfortably, she will lift the veil between this world and the next and – talk to the spirits (pets a speciality). If she’s up to it, you may even witness a rare spiritual manifestation. Be on guard, a ghostly finger may be pointing to you… The show is 15 minutes long and is suitable for children 10+
www.xtrax.org.uk/paschalestraiton
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Periplum - 'The Bell' Supported by Without Walls
A warring clan in a warring land that is terrorised and razed in flames by invading forces. As the survivors emerge from the smouldering debris they are faced with a choice: seek revenge or stay and rebuild. This explosive 360° promenade is the first of two major outdoor spectacles from the fevered imagination of acclaimed theatre exponents Periplum, creators of Artaud in Wonderland (2000).
www.xtrax.org.uk/periplum
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Plunge Boom - 'The Vegetable Nannies'
Wheeling an ancient Victorian Pram laden with a prize collection of Vegetables, the Nannies are out for the day, showing off their allotment cherubs & telling many a tale like every proud parent would. 'The Microscopic Animal Enthusiasts' - A cross between Indiana Jones & David Bellamy, these animal lovers are on a mission of miniature proportions! Come grab a magnifying glass and a specimen jar to examine the obscurest of beasts.
www.xtrax.org.uk/plungeboom
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Prodigal Theatre Company -'The Urban Playground' Supported by Without Walls
A dynamic, physical performance that examines the relationship between the human body and the built environment. Originating in France, Parkour is the art of moving from one point to another as efficiently and quickly as possible using the abilities of the human body to overcome obstacles. This piece blends the philosophy of Parkour with contemporary dance and breaking to produce choreographies reflecting the environments in which they work.
www.xtrax.org.uk/prodigaltheatrecompany
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Stuff and Things- 'The Surreal World of Edmond Tahl'
Edmond accidentally finds himself trapped in a perpendicular world of
absurdity, where the bizarre is always close on his heels. Using only an
amplified suitcase he explores his self absorbed world of misfortune and
adventure, in this hilarious high energy comedy mime act.
www.xtrax.org.uk/stuffandthings
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Swank - 'Adjudicators'
Impeccably dressed and keen to keep all fun and games fair, they are keen to host their own mini Olympics. All are encouraged to go for gold in a range of daft time trials and silly races, backed by tannoy announcements and completed with an award ceremony boasting its own plinth.
www.xtrax.org.uk/swank
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Tavaziva Dance Company - 'Beautiful People' Supported by Without Walls
Combining the company's unique blend of African and Contemporary dance “Ilanga Umuntu Umuthle" (translated as “The Sun is the Beautiful People”) is Tavaziva new outdoor performance piece reflects the twin themes of Africa's vibrant market-places and the magnificent sunset. The work will be celebratory, upbeat, and the choreographer will include interactive element with the audience.
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The National Elf Service - 'Around the World in Eighty Ways'
Although plagued by disaster and blind incompetence, veteran explorers Pandemonium Fogg and Phileas Flash continue in their historic scheme to circumnavigate the globe in a variety of ridiculous ways. Hailing from a bygone era of bravado, derring-do, eccentric expeditions and valiant buffoonery, these two colourful characters face the many challenges that arise during their adventure with barely a trace of sanity and unwittingly entertain people everywhere.
www.xtrax.org.uk/thenationalelfservice
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The Voice Collective
12 professional acappella singers performing jazz,soul, pop, rock, world music and folk songs in harmony. They stimulate andamaze! Come and see us to believe us!
www.xtrax.org.uk/thevoicecollective
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Theater Pikante -'Forest Ants taking a trip into Town'
Far away from the anthill and their queen, four adventuring forest ants attempt to make their way through town. One has taken the command and under her leadership the ants rhythmically and noisily explore the new territory. Foraging for food, and commanding those who cross their path into line, they will surprise you with their beautiful songs and charming 'ant' ics.
www.xtrax.org.uk/theaterpikante
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Thingumabob & the Thingumajigs - 'The Thingumajigs' Good Time Show'
Thingumabob & the Thingumajigs are a Salford based band who play "good time music". Our upbeat energetic shows are all about getting everyone singing along, dancing, smiling, and having fun.
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Thingumajig Theatre - 'The Mystery of the Sock Snatcher'
Join Lefty the Sock in his heroic search when his partner and “sole” mate suddenly disappears. Who is responsible? Find out in this whimsical and captivating "sock-puppet" show, suitable for the whole family.
www.xtrax.org.uk/thingumajigtheatre
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Tongues of Fire -'Tongues of Fire'
Tongues of Fire are a riot of reeds, brass and rhythm section making a 'joyful noise' for dreaming, dancing and celebration. The band are inspired by village, circus and gypsy bands, the jazz marches of Albert Ayler and the cosmic carnival of Sun Ra.
www.xtrax.org.uk/tonguesoffire
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Trukitrek -'Unforgettable
Alfredo is dreaming of pizza and women, Angelina of being svelte and living as an artist. But it all changes with the arrival of their first bor… Unforgettable, a musical comedy in three dimensions: Puppets, actors and cartoon projections. Hotel Crab - Summertime. Some far away port town. A little hotel by the seq. Guests and servants don't suspect that those days will change their lives…Hotel crab, a show that makes use of theatrical language in a way reminiscent of silent film.
www.xtrax.org.uk/trukitrek
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Walk the Plank -'Le Jardin Flambée
An enchanting garden of fire, flames and special effects, tended to by pyro gardeners. Watch as the plants, flowers and trees are brought to life with the gardener’s magical watering cans.
www.xtrax.org.uk/walktheplank
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Wet Picnic -'The Potato Peelers'
The Potato Peelers have arrived from the west country to bring some exciting potato pleasure in your lives! This is a stall for everyone, where we peel a potato, print with a potato or make the peeling in to art! All the art is sewn to make our big patchwork quilt and we have a great floor area for children to print and make! Perfect for a family day! 'Let's All do Thai Chi' - Lost your chi? With assistance from his special student Gareth, Master Chi, helps participants understand the movements of his own brand of Thai Chi and finds hou inner peace. This enlightened pair set up a space with mats and some chi for everyone to enjoy an energetic Tai Chi lesson.
www.xtrax.org.uk/wetpicnic
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Wired Aerial -'Tango' Supported by Without Walls
A new creative collaboration between Artistic Director Wendy Hesketh and internationally acclaimed Argentinian based aerial dancer Brenda Angiel. Using aerial and ground based dancers and live music Tango, a new aerial dance piece, will explore the beauty, drama and passion of the famous dance.
www.xtrax.org.uk/wiredaerialtheatre
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 Schedule is now online / Download
x.trax is one of seven outdoor festivals that over the last two years has worked as a new consortiume titled WITHOUT WALLS. The partnership received funding from Arts Council England in 2007 to create a touring platform to present and develop work from a new and emerging generation of outdoor artists, in the context of our existing festivals. We are currently seeking support for the continued development of the consortium in 2008.
The festivals are:
x.trax in Manchester - www.xtrax.org.uk
Greenwich + Docklands International Festival London - www.festival.org
Winchester Hat Fair - www.hatfair.co.uk
Stockton International Riverside Festival - www.sirf.co.uk
Brighton Festival - www.brightonfestival.org
The Bristol Do, Norfolk and Norwich Festival
The WITHOUT WALLS artists in the x.trax showcase are marked accordingly.
x.trax is proud to be a partner in this new and exciting project. Further information is available from www.withoutwalls.uk.com
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