Brentford
Picturing Brentford, created by Gideon Reeling
A local walking trail along the high street and waterside to bring Brentford’s rich history to life, for adults and families.
Come along with a smartphone to scan QR codes that will help you take a step back in time to discover the stories, the places, the faces and voices that have gone to shape the town – and those that still do today.
This tour has been created by Brentford based immersive theatre company, Gideon Reeling (www.gideonreeling.co.uk) who have been making trailblazing interactive entertainment since 2006. Their varied projects are made to surprise, entertain and educate all ages and can be found everywhere from theatres to festivals, on streets and online, in adverts and in museums.
Gideon Reeling are collaborating with local historians, Brentford Voice as well as local museums including London Museum of Water and Steam on Picturing Brentford.
Two Kings Of Brentford, created by Jack Fairey
Bill has lived in Brentford all his life. It’s his home. But the town is changing before his eyes, and when an accident on a construction site leaves him bereft, he starts to grow bitter. Regina only arrived in the town a few months ago. She has no friends and no family here – only her job as a lawyer.
When the two are thrust into each other’s lives, they must learn to set aside their differences, work together, and see Brentford through the other’s eyes.
Jack Fairey is a writer and theatre-maker based in West London. He is an associate artist at The Arts Centre Hounslow, with which he is currently collaborating on a multi-year series of plays at Boston Manor House, Brentford, the first of which (A Christmas Carol) ran in December last year. His work has been performed across the UK and on BBC Radio 4. When he isn’t writing, you can find Jack managing The Potting Shed Cafe in Boston Manor Park, where he has loved getting to know the tight knit community of Brentford and the surrounds (and especially all of the dogs!).
Starting Location – Brentford Dock
Proceed to your starting location – Brentford Dock
Please insert your headphones and listen to part one.
Once you have listened to part one, please proceed to location two (Grand Union Canal Walk Bridge).
Location Two – Grand Union Walk Bridge
Grand Union Canal Walk Bridge
Please insert your headphones and listen to part two.
Once you have listened to part two, please proceed to location three (St. Paul’s Church).
Location Three – St Paul’s Church
St. Paul’s Church
Please insert your headphones and listen to part three.
Once you have listened to part three, please proceed to location four (Griffin Park).
Location Four – Griffin Park
Griffin Park
Please insert your headphones and listen to part four.
Once you have listened to part four, please proceed to location five (Brentford County Court).
Location Five – Brentford County Court
Brentford County Court
Please insert your headphones and listen to part five.
Thank you for listening to ‘Two Kings of Brentford’. You are now at the end of the trail!
CREDITS
Written and directed by Jack Fairey
Performed by Laura Hannawin and James Lavender
Music composed by Gabriel Williams
Sound Engineering by Eliza Willmott