La Machine - 5th-7th September 2008 (warning: possible spoilers)

[Damon]

I hope I'm not getting too excited about this. Watching those Sultan's Elephant videos brings tears to my eyes, and reading all this hype makes my head feel like it's going to pop.

Can it really live up to all this?

Not long to wait.................

[Chris B]

Pictures of the La Machine preparations from the BBC - http://www.bbc.co.uk/liverpool/conte..._gallery.shtml

[piratesean]

Are dailymotion links allowed here? I think I've found the creature that's about to terrorise our streets

[markonasty]

I can't wait for this, if it is indeed a Spider I think it would be great if it crawled out of the Birkenhead tunnel!!

[Chris B]

I'm keeping an eye on the Mersey Tunnels website to check for closures on the days La Machine is taking place. The information only goes up until the end of August at the minute, but hopefully should be updated for September soon, so we'll soon know whether it is going to emerge from the tunnel.

[Paul D]

I got an email off artichoke saying "the giant(s) are coming",are we to expect more than one like London?

[Babaloo]

I think 'it'/'they' should be brought out for the final event of CoC to provide an opportunity to gawp for those of us who won't be here at the beginning of Sept.

[Chris B]

They may well do Babs, as I think this event may well become another surprise hit of the year.

From the Echo -

Harpist Rachael Gladwin takes off with La Machine

Aug 23 2008 Michelle Fiddler

A LIPA graduate today told of her excitement after being chosen to accompany the mysterious La Machine creature around the streets of Liverpool.

Harpist Rachael Gladwin, 24, will perform from a cherry picker platform 40ft above the ground.

She is one of 20 regional and six French musicians selected to take part in the street theatre extravaganza.

Rehearsals started yesterday ahead of the top- secret Capital of Culture event taking place in less than two weeks time.

Wavertree-based Rachel said: "I got a phone call about four weeks ago saying the organisers were looking for a harpist.

"I jumped at the chance. I have done outdoor performances before but to be in the middle of a show like this is really amazing and exciting.

"I have been up in the cherry picker. I was fine about the height but I was worried about losing my harp. But the guys have been wonderful and are doing everything they can to accommodate the space for me to play in.

"I only saw the creature for the first time yesterday. I think it is magnificent and not at all what I expected."

The identity of the machine, created by French designer Francois Delaroziere, is a closely- guarded secret.

The £1.8 million project was commissioned by London-based creative company Artichoke.

Associate producer Katie Fuller said: "The most important thing has been maintaining the secrecy. But at the same time we had to let people know what they were letting themselves in for.

"The musicians have been up on the cherry pickers and fork lift trucks to get a feel.

"During the performances the musicians will move low alongside the creature.

"When it stops they will move to different levels.

"Rachel’s harp playing will be very central to the performance because it will express the spirit of the creature."

Musical director Dominique Malan said: "It is a work in progress. The music has been pre-composed using what I saw when I came to Liverpool.

"But when you engage with musicians the show evolves. It never stays the same.

"I am very excited to be in Liverpool. It has been a long time since I have been in a city that is so full of life. The people here have been very welcoming."

From here - http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liver...0252-21590759/

[Gareth]

I was told on the grapevine that it was a Gorilla or something like that and that it's been built in Lairds. I wouldn't hold me to that though.

[woody]

Originally Posted by Gareth

I was told on the grapevine that it was a Gorilla or something like that and that it's been built in Lairds. I wouldn't hold me to that though.

Gareth you are partly correct, it was re-assembled in the "warship hall" at Lairds, but just what it is I have stopped guessing, I want it to be a surprise

[Scarecrow]

I hope it's not a 40ft flapping Liver bird.
A hedgehog would be good though, or a fire-breathing griffin.

[buggedboy]

It's not a gorilla according to those in my office who received a funding application from Artichoke a few months ago. It's not bi-pedal (if you consider a Gorilla to be bi-pedal...which it is....sometimes....or something...)

[Scarecrow]

Could it be a giant mock-up of Red Rum, with its party piece the ability to jump St Georges Hall?

[T0M]

How about a giant Beatle... surely that makes sense!

[buggedboy]

neither, but getting closer!

[franno]

Originally Posted by Scarecrow

I hope it's not a 40ft flapping Liver bird.
A hedgehog would be good though, or a fire-breathing griffin.

Sure its a bit obvious, "Oh a Liver Bird, why did'nt i think of that!?" Duuhhhh!

But i think a giant mechanical Liver Bird would be fu**king cool! In fact i have got my fingers crossed!

Either way i am really looking forward to this event, i have the friday booked off from work and the whole weekend too! But i need a little more detail, on the friday where should i actually go, i mean where is this attraction starting from!?

[Damon]

Originally Posted by franno

But i need a little more detail, on the friday where should i actually go, i mean where is this attraction starting from!?

I don't think you'll find out until it appears - though one of the BBC reports mentioned that something could occur on Wednesday 3rd, so maybe that'll make it clear.

[Chris B]

If the hints on this thread are anything to go by, I'd keep an eye on Concourse House on Wednesday 3rd. I think most on here already have a good idea of what it will be (but for the sake of fun and anticipation don't want it confirming until it appears in town), but I don't think it'll be a Liver Bird, as birds (even strange mythical Scouse ones) are bi-pedal which BB has confirmed it's not.

[buggedboy]

I can't wait for this myself. Get your cameras out for this one!

[mr-nad]

Originally Posted by Chris B

If the hints on this thread are anything to go by, I'd keep an eye on Concourse House on Wednesday 3rd.

could the creature knock down concourse house with one of it's mechanical limbs as part of the show?