Video ballads such as Wild Geese and "They get free mobiles...don't they?" are multimedia documentary theatre productions combining video and film material with live music and songs. Wild Geese runs for 90 minutes without a break, while "They get free mobiles...don't they?" is slightly shorter, about an hour and 20 minutes.

The video “actuality” (interviews and film footage) drives the narrative of the production, and is augmented and counterpointed by songs performed using a range of musical styles and traditions, played by four performers: a singer/guitarist, a singer/violinist/bass player, a singer/drummer, and a guitarist/singer. They are supported by two technicians.

The video and film material is played on DVD players via a visionmixer and projected (from behind) onto a screen measuring 6 feet (183cm) by 4 feet (122cm), which is placed in the centre as the upper part of the set. The projector requires a minimum projection distance of 10 feet (3m) from the lens to the screen.

The performance area in front of the set needs to be a minimum of 12 feet (4m) left to right by 12 feet (4m) front to back.

We normally operate the DVD, sound and lighting from FOH at the back of the auditorium away from audience access points.

Fit-up - three hours are needed to set our equipment up, test it and carry out sound checks, etc.

De-rig - an hour to dismantle and remove our equipment after the final performance.

Stage Layout Diagram