Waterborne artwork using visual theatre and song will visit Littleborough on UK tour

Drawing on creation myths and oral storytelling tradition, Opal’s Comet is a short, hopeful story which questions how we might navigate personal grief, loss and transformation

An outdoor performance on a canal boat is coming to Littleborough on 24-25 September as part of its UK tour.

Visual theatre and song project Opal’s Comet is a canal-based production performed by Burnley-based arts group Mr Wilson’s, conceived and written by its artistic director, Sonya ‘Boo’ Moorhead.

Drawing on creation myths and oral storytelling tradition, Opal’s Comet is a tragic, short story which questions how we might navigate personal grief, loss and transformation as, globally, we veer towards social collapse and climate crisis.

Opal’s Comet offers audiences and participants the opportunity to slow down and take stock, to  celebrate shared values; pay homage to those we’ve lost and discuss how we might navigate a new future.

The Opal’s Comet tour is a way to present this epic and hopeful story within the local landscape.

Artists Steve Gumbley and Andy Plant were commissioned to visualise and create a sculptural response to the Golden Barge, which will be transported along the canal for each performance. Between 11am-3.30pm, they will be travelling along the two mile stretch back and forth between Lock 46 and where Canal street (B6225) crosses the Rochdale Canal, near Littleborough train station. 

Sonya said: “In 2020 and 2021 our families and communities experienced so much sadness and loss.

“Mr Wilson’s is known for colourful, musical celebrations but not everyone is ready to jump back into that. This year we have created something exceptionally beautiful and hopeful; Opal’s Comet meets people on their own terms, in their own neighbourhood and offers time and space to reflect.”

James Long, of the Canal & River Trust, added: “Canal & River Trust are pleased to be supporting Opal’s Comet as they tour the waterways of the north west and we hope that our canals will provide a unique backdrop for their performances.

“We believe that spending time by the water makes people healthier and happier, events like this give people opportunities to experience our canals in new ways, and encourage people to visit for the first time.”

Opal’s Comet will move on to Leeds for Canal Connections and then Manchester Folk Festival next month, before heading to Liverpool with the Canal and River Trust between 26 Oct-6 Nov, and the tour concludes with an appearance at Wigan Light Night on 18-19 November.

A GPS tracker will be live on the day, here, as well as a map.