The Witching Hour to cast a spell over Birkenhead Park
Wirral Borough of Culture chiefs plan to bewitch audiences in a spectacular event at Birkenhead Park this weekend.
The Witching Hour will take place after dark from Friday, May 17 to Sunday, May 19.
The large-scale, immersive outdoor performance is being staged by theatre company Periplum and in partnership with Hull’s Absolutely Cultured. It will be premiered in Hull next weekend ahead of its Birkenhead dates.
Periplum has invited residents from both locations to share stories, memories and urban myths.
Featuring live performance, a specially commissioned soundtrack, pyrotechnics and promenading action taking place in and around the audience, The Witching Hour explores local legend and folklore from Birkenhead Park in Wirral and East Park in Hull.
Although the main story remains the same in both locations, the performances will resonate directly with the two communities through the inclusion of local tales that will be woven into the narrative.
Above: Birkenhead Park. Top: Periplum during Hull City of Culture - photo James Mulkeen
Lucy Barrow, Assistant Director for Culture & Visitor Economy at Wirral Council said: “The Witching Hour is going to be an unmissable highlight of 2019. Periplum are renowned for creating extraordinary experiences and this incredible event will create lifelong memories.
“Fire, flickering lights and pyrotechnics will transform Birkenhead Park for this night-time spectacular and we’re excited to see how local stories from both places will be brought to life, bringing Wirral and Hull together.
“Having seen what Absolutely Cultured were able to achieve as UK City of Culture, we’re delighted to be working with them during our Borough of Culture year.”
The Witching Hour is free, and hour-long performances will take place at 9.45pm on May 17-19.