Bristol-based theatre group, Insane Root, was born out of a conversation between friends. And, since then, they have performed in some of the most obscure locations in the city.
Co-founder Hannah Drake told Bristol Live that her friend and fellow Insane Root co-founder asked her what her dream show would be to direct and where the accompanying location would be. "I said it would be Macbeth in a ruined castle," Hannah said.
And Justin responded to her, saying: "I don't have a castle, but do you know the Redcliffe Caves?" This then prompted the pair to look further into the Bristol landmark - which before then, had not been used for a performance.
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Hannah spoke further on the caves, saying: "There's no light in there, they are in the centre of the city and when you step in it's like you're stepping into a different universe because the temperature drops, you can't really tell where you are. It felt like the perfect setting for a play that is so well known."
And so, the team went on to bring Macbeth to live at the Redcliffe Caves. "There was something about that first production that really inspired what Insane Root is.
"The name of the company also comes from that play - there's a character called Banquo and he and Macbeth meet some witches and after they leave they turn to each other and say 'did that just happen or have we eaten from the insane root?'.
"After the theatre show, when you stepped back out into bright sunshine - you turn to each other and go 'did that just happen?' So it was about trying to capture that immersive atmosphere which has been continuous throughout all of the shows we've done."
The performance of Macbeth sold out every time Insane Root performed it, and then went on to be the blueprint for their shows going forward. And, the next location they performed in was certainly as impressive as the original.
"We then went on to do more work, and the next show we did was actually inside the Suspension Bridge. We worked with a wonderful composer who created a musical chamber piece of Orpheus and Eurydice.
"The audience had to put on hard hats and climb down the gorge and down a ladder into these amazing vaults for this musical theatre piece."
Insane Root are passionate about tailoring their work to the sites they work with, and they have performed shows in an array of locations including not only the caves and the vaults but also a cemetery, a medieval crypt and a Methodist chapel. And this week they are taking their performance expertise to Eastville Lido.
Hannah said: "We love spaces that are unique to Bristol. It's really rooted in the city; we are a Bristol based organisation and we try to always work with Bristol-based or Bristol connected artists.
"We're not the only organisation who does this sort of thing, finding spaces and putting them to theatre, but our shows are very bespoke. They're not designed, at the moment, in any way to transfer - they are about being in that space."
The group at Insane Root are aware of how sensitive they have to be with the sites they use, whether it be speaking with people who are around, leaving a lasting impact or providing shows are designed for families in the local communities.
And they are also passionate about paving the way for those who are still figuring theatre out. Hannah said: "When I was growing up I didn't have links to the industry at all, but one thing we offer with every performance we do is work experience placements.
"And that's not just going into an office - it's being here and being hands-on. They're with trained professionals; we talk about how to get into the industry, we stay in touch with the people who work with us and we try and provide that gateway."
And you can experience the magic up close, as launching this week for an eight-week run, Insane Root Theatre has announced its summer 2022 show - Shakespeare’s 'A Midsummer Night’s Dream', which will be set in the unique location of Eastville Park Lido.
The theatre crew plans to use the disused lido's layers of history, and tension between the natural and human worlds, provide the perfect landscape for the play. And all are invited to embark on the journey.
The well-known Shakespearean comedy is said to appeal to all ages and group and community offers are available as part of Insane Root’s commitment to making theatre inclusive and accessible for everyone. More information can be found here.
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