What will they come up with next? Bramley Baths and I Love West Leeds Festival have really out done themselves this time, with a screening of films at the poolside that the audience can actually swim-along to. This is the latest in a ‘splash-tastic’ succession of cavorting times at Bramley Baths: previous events include a recital from a classical orchestra stranded in the middle of the pool, an underwater photography exhibition, and a giant inflatable ‘Walk the Plank’ day.
This particular fish-themed double flick brought together two cinematic classics, Finding Nemo and Jaws, and formed part of the Bramley Baths open day. I have to applaud this pairing: Finding Nemo is a fun, feel-good movie with hilarious one liners like ” I didn’t come this far to be breakfast!” and “I’m a nice shark, not a mindless eating machine”; and is a lovely contrast to Spielberg’s Jaws which is still masterful suspense 38 years on and John William’s soundtrack was compelling in the water. To complete this experience there were speakers streaming the soundtrack under and over the water, lighthouse towers on either side of the screen,and in the pool were floats that could be used as seats and even foam shark fins that could and were used by certain mischievous swimmers.Other features I loved were the vintage costumes of the ushers…
…and the amusement of watching would-be shark and fellow audience swimmer Jamie Fletcher splashing around the pool. However, don’t believe me, see for yourself….
Feedback:
” My favourite film (Jaws) just got scarier from the water, when a swimmer wearing a shark fin circled me and pounced.” Audience Member
” I asked one little girl on the way out what she thought of Finding Nemo. She walked right around the desk and hugged me.” (Fran Graham)
“This is the best thing I’ve been to since moving to the Uk” – Audience member
” We’re gonna need another boat” got a massive cheer from the swimmers, and it wasn’t the only salute of the night! In the grand finale of the film we all spontaneously and unanimously applauded. How often does that happen in a pool? Looking around the room, I really felt like I had been a part of something special. Thanks to the brilliant Jane Earnshaw and I Love West Leeds Festival – it really is all in the detail and they thought of everything from red carpet to giant Nemo inflatable. Bramley Baths is now in community ownership and with inventive, original, well-thought out events like this one with I Love West leeds, who wouldn’t want to come here? Bramley Baths and I Love West Leeds both Rock!
And here’s some of Betty Lawless‘s fab photos from the event
Zoe Parker is a choreographer and dance artist who blogs about culture, dance and wellbeing.
She is one part of @yorkslifeaqua a dry land synchronised swimming team coming to a water feature near you.
JAWS was fantastic. Being underwater and hearing the throb of the boat’s engine, the menace of the sound track, and seeing a shark fun float swim past all made for a fantastic evenings viewing.