blog Archives - Matthew Linley

Our adventure in AR goes live!

The next stage of my collaboration with Murray Lachlan Young goes live today – Thursday 28th January 2021 with the launch of Chronicle 2 of Atom and Luna – Quest for Old Mother Redbeard. Chronicle 2 has been developed in Augmented Reality to in effect create an AR fairy store – a piece of story telling to be explored at home on your own kitchen table – perfect for these lockdown times! Here comes the official press release: BBC 6 Music Poet in Residence MURRAY LACHLAN YOUNG has reunited with PAUL HARTNOLL (Orbital) to collaborate on Quest for Old Mother Redbeard, a ground breaking Augmented reality story game for families which is free for everyone to play. This new story game has been created by Funnelwick Limb, MBD Ltd and Action Transport and is a key element from the multi-platform story world of The Chronicles of Atom and Luna which brings to life the magical world of Atom and Luna across a range of forms. The experience is AVAILABLE NOW to play on android phones, iPad or iPhones. Simply head to the Google Play Store or I Store – search Atom and Luna and hit download! This new story centres around heroes 11 year-old twins Atom & Lunawho are left home alone in the care of their magical childminder, Iffly Sney. When Iffly falls terribly ill, only the twins can save him by seeking out the mysterious Old Mother Redbeardin the heart of a magical forest. A journey which will change their lives forever. The project reunites Murray with the same team who developed …

Literacy and storytelling – teaching and online resources from Funnelwick Limb for KS2

Given the news we wanted to share a little more widely the FREE teaching and homeworking resources that we have available. The resources are based on both our own creative practice as well as our schools workshop programmes. They are based on the poetry of BBC6 Music Poet in Residence Murray Lachlan Young and his work with collaborators Nina Hajiyianni, Bek Palmer and MBD. The lesson plans have all been shaped by Primary Assistant Head Emily Smith. All the schemes of work are designed to fire young people’s imaginations, instill a love of language, encourage creative storytelling and to engage young people in the creative process. All the lessons are designed in line with the 2014 National Curriculum for English. All are available free of charge – but please do let us know if you use the schemes of work, and we’d love to see examples of the work that results. We are on socials at @funnelwicklimb or contact us direct at [email protected] or [email protected] There are two schemes available – the first is connected to our current project The Chronicles of Atom and Luna and the second is connected to our first project The Mystery of the Raddlesham Mumps. The Chronicles of Atom and Luna Scheme What is it A 6 lesson exploration of storytelling based around task based videos. The scheme consists of seven short videos (all BSL interpreted), a teachers handbook and worksheets associated with each task. Here is an example of one of the task based …

The year in review – Funnelwick Limb.

Funnelwick Limb is the company we formed to produce the work I do with BBC 6 Music Poet in Residence Murray Lachlan Young, and invariably Artistic Director of Action Transport Theatre Nina Hajiyianni. This blog first appeared as a series of posts on the funnelwicklimb facebook pages. To find out more about our work please do sign up to our mailing list at funnelwicklimb.com New Years Eve is traditionally the time to look back at whats happened in the year just gone. Given the annus horribilis that 2020 has been its tempting to pass over and just get on with 2021 – but it felt appropriate to mark the Funnelwick Limb year – so here goes. Our year started with The Mystery of the Raddlesham Mumps back on the road. Rehearsals in Ipswich allowed us to rehearse in new performer Simone Lewis who was joining the company to replace Joe Allen, refresh the set and just rediscover all the joy in the show. Performances on the Main Stage at Theatre by the Lake and Oldham Library (demonstrating again what a flexible show this is) followed before lockdown hit. For the record we ‘lost gigs’ at New Wolsey, at Theatr Clwyd, at SJT in Scarborough, at the Union Club in London, at Hull Truck, at The Great Barn Festival and a much anticipated (by us at the very least) residency at The Brighton Fringe. As sad as this is many were worse hit than we were – and perhaps in 2021 …

A rant at the National….

Which is weird. I love the National, and I’m never happier than when I’m dashing into shows, meeting colleagues in the arms of its foyers or spending ridiculous amounts at the bloody brilliant book shop. I’ve read ALL the diaries (and there have been many!) and I’ve so missed not hanging out on the Southbank But some times I just can’t hold my tongue….so here goes…. One of the very few positive impacts of the Covid19 virus on the theatre industry has been a) to accelerate an audiences willingness to ‘pay’ for online performances and b) for more artists and theatre makers to think about digital iterations from the outset, and even digital first During the early days of the pandemic we were blessed with a mass of ‘free’ online material – from NT Live back catalogue to Andrew Lloyd Webbers Show Must Go On series. Elsewhere arts organisations (including the ones I work with) raided their back catalogues for work which could be made available free and on demand. But this couldn’t last for ever, and increasingly arts organisations have been railing against the mantra that online must mean free. Works like Original Theatre Company’s BirdSong (for £15 catch their Haunting of Alice Bowles) and The Barn/LBT/New Wolsey What A Carve Up have shown that audiences are and will pay for online performance. Unsurprisingly as ‘free’ dried up we’ve seen an increase of ‘paid for’ content. Right now you can catch Bristol Old Vics Swallows and Amazons for £4.50 or Leeds Playhouse …

And so The Chronicles of Atom and Luna begins…..

So here’s some good news for families and all lovers of words, maps and mythical tales. From Monday 30th November- Funnelwick Limb, BBC 6 Poet Music in Residence Murray Lachlan Young And Orbital’s Paul Hartnoll are releasing a series of magical fantasy adventure audio tales called Tales From The Forest. The story series – called – TALES FROM THE FOREST is the start of THE CHRONICLES OF ATOM & LUNA, an epic tale which brings to life the magical world of Atom and Luna across a range of live and digital forms. The story centres around 11 year old twins Atom & Luna – who are left home alone in the care of their magical child minder, Iffly Sney. But when Iffly falls terribly ill, only the twins can save him by seeking out the mysterious Old Mother Redbeard in the heart of a magical forest. It is a journey which will change their lives forever. Audio Trailer https://soundcloud.com/funnelwick-limb/the-chronicles-of-atom-luna-tales-from-the-forest-trailer Each tale is a story in its own right, and each one taking us deeper into the magical forest Atom and Luna must pass through in order to find Old Mother Redbeard. Here’s the full release list… The Chronicles of Atom and LunaChronicle One – TALES FROM THE FORESTEpisode One THE GREAT OAK – Monday 30th OctoberEpisode Two FORTUNE AND THE TREE – Friday 4th DecemberEpisode Three THE GLASS BALL – Monday 7th DecemberEpisode Four THE FOOL – Friday 11th DecemberEpisode Five THE LOVERS – Monday 14th DecemberEpisode Six THE CHILDREN …

Launching The Chronicles of Atom & Luna with Tales from the Forest

Some tweets for National Poetry Day

Its #nationalpoetryday so a perfect oppotunity to mention That @MurrayLYoung @arunghosh wonderful The Mystery of the Raddlesham Mumps over on @SoundCloud . Put the headphones on, grab a candle, go all gothic and enjoy https://t.co/muIYoDxrIb pic.twitter.com/9JduRWsUWA — The Mystery of the Raddlesham Mumps (@CrispinClumps) October 1, 2020 The Mystery of the Raddlesham Mumps was told through a play, a book, an audio book, a VR and tablet game! You can play the tablet game on google here – go on have a go! https://t.co/FiCB3AFLpe @MurrayLYoung @MBDtweet #NationalPoetryDay win pic.twitter.com/SucfdpkbdP — The Mystery of the Raddlesham Mumps (@CrispinClumps) October 1, 2020 To run alongside The Mystery of the Raddlesham Mumps @MurrayLYoung @MBDtweet worked with Assistant Head Emily Smith at #Brightlingsea Primary School to create some great resources for young people. Find them here https://t.co/WjCMVV3YzI #nationalpoetryday pic.twitter.com/UGEL9fkgRo — The Mystery of the Raddlesham Mumps (@CrispinClumps) October 1, 2020 During #Covid19 poet @MurrayLYoung has been busy making – here is his brilliant 'Shopping' with @paulhartnoll858 of @orbitalband https://t.co/pmLt28AsK9 #nationalpoetryday @poetrydayuk — The Mystery of the Raddlesham Mumps (@CrispinClumps) October 1, 2020 And this is @MurrayLYoung zany collaboration with #Blabbermouth ON THE SEVENTH DAY https://t.co/D0bkrDeHFm …. tea and biscuits anyone? #nationalpoetryday @PoetryDayUK — The Mystery of the Raddlesham Mumps (@CrispinClumps) October 1, 2020 And we are so EXCITED to say we will be announcing our new project with @MurrayLYoung @ATTtweet @easternangles @MBDtweet in just a couple of weeks. And just to warm us up for that here is Murray's LYCRA DAD https://t.co/sLaUfUTGu3 @PoetryDayUK #nationalpoetryday …

Kickstart – my notes on how to get involved

I’ve tweeted before about how important I feel it is that as many Arts Organisations engage with HMUK Kick Start scheme (a scheme providing funding to employers to create 6 month job placements for unemployed 16 – 24 year olds). The scheme aims to give young people the chance to build their confidence and skills in the workplace, and to gain experience that will improve their chances of going on to find employment. I may not agree with the politics but what is abundantly clear is that the after effects of the pandemic may prevent 100’s, perhaps 1000’s of young people entering the creative industries over the next few years. Anything we can do to prevent that happening we should surely do. So its been frustrating up to now that practically every arts organisation in the country will have been excluded from the scheme not only by the terrible times we are having but by the requirement that every application had to be for 30 or more placements. Information on umbrella bodies was unsurprisingly vague. However information about the umberella bodies is beginning to change On the 18th Sept HMUK published a list of organisations who were prepared to act on behalf of a group of organizations. You can find that list here. but as a short cut here are the three ‘hosts’ I am aware of which provide a dedicated cultural offer Host /umbrella organisation Contact E Mail Mighty Creatives (National, Bridge Org for East Mids, YP focused) Nick …

A fringe reimagined

I’ve been thinking about @edfringe a lot recently – not least cos its August and I’m not there pounding the streets and trying to catch as many shows as is feasibly possible in a day. I love #edfringe. I’ve had so many great times up there in so many different guises – not least as a producer with shows including Nina a story about me and Nina Simone (2017), Chicken (2015), I heart Peterborough. In fact my career effectively started when as a twenty-something I foolishly decided I could make a success of turning a masonic lodge into a fringe venue. But that’s another story for another day! Whats been bugging me though in this current Edinburgh free void is that I – and in reality the theatre industry – have year on year perpetuated the myth of @edfringe . In recent years the true costs of the fringe for artists, the often difficult (near impossible) conditions and the mental health impacts have all been openly talked and written about. The reality of #covid19 is heralding fresh thinking from venues and the @edfringe itself – the festivals (not just the fringe) are looking to build back better. But maybe this enforced break might help us press pause on our annual pilgramage North . Especially as these days there are now more and more new work / fringe style festivals where the artists & their work is what’s important, where care is taken, where work is supported & well presented. Where …

Making, making, making.

So this Monday I had cause to tweet this Actually in a production meeting at the moment – stupidly excited to be working on The Chronicles of Atom and Luna – part 1 with @MurrayLYoung @Nina_Haj @MBDtweet Bek Palmer et al. Part 1 is a digital release for Christmas, part 2 the live stuff the following year!— Matthew Linley (@MatthewLinley) August 10, 2020 That was rapidly followed by this:- Delighted to see an #EIRA-funded @CrispinClumps project with @MurrayLYoung has been featured in the @BBSRC Impact Showcase Report (p9) https://t.co/8rhPMeAfWx The project team have gone on to work with Facebook Reality Labs to study how people can use #VR to judge distance.— EIRA (@EIRA_eARC) August 10, 2020 So just as we embark on a new journey more recognition of the success – and perhaps importantly – impact of our Raddlesham Mumps project! In reality the Raddlesham Mumps team (and in particular Murray, Nina, Bek, Joe and Simone) haven’t actually stopped since Covid struck. We’d begun the creative process on our new project (thanks to Arts Council England and lottery players up and down the country) at Kirkgate Arts in Cockermouth. Then lock down happened and sent us scurrying into zoom rooms to further develop the story of the twins Atom and Luna. What happened on Monday though was a shift in gear. We went from that moment of incubation (we’ve got an idea, lets play around with it and see what happens) to now we are making a thing. The thing …