New ERT Mobile App Brings Theatre to the Outdoors

ERT is delighted to announce the launch of the ‘Time Travellers’ Theatre Trail’ app.

Users can enjoy a FREE outdoor walking theatre trail travelling back into Beverley’s past, where they meet local characters and discover what the town’s theatrical life really looked like in times gone by.

Simple to use through most smartphones, this app offers a fun and exciting day out for the whole family!

Twelve historic sites in the market town of Beverley are included in the tour, taking you on an expedition through time, with actors Annie, Richard, Evie, Gordon and a host of historical figures, from Henry V to artist Mary Elwell.

At each site, you’ll find yourself immersed in a thrilling audio drama performance bringing to life stories that took place on that very spot! The app was made possible thanks to funding received from Arts Council England, Beverley Town Council and Hull and East Riding Charitable Trust.

The accompanying ‘Time Travellers’ Theatre Trail’ booklet, filled with fun questions to answer along the way, can be picked up free from ERT or downloaded online. The booklets were made possible thanks to sponsorship from the Beverley Building Society.

Producer Sue Kirkman said:

“The app is the result of a community project undertaken by the theatre when the doors were closed due to the pandemic. Inspired by the theatre’s aims to bring high quality performing arts to the local community, the project engaged a number of local professional actors, artists and creatives.”

Alongside the audio trail ran a community art project, ‘The Beverley Heard’, a perfect play on words, led by ERT’s artist-in-residence Emma Garness. ‘The Beverley Heard’ saw 10 local artists paint by hand a collection of cow statues inspired by their own personal artwork, shared on the Art & Ert facebook group which was created during the lockdown.

The finished designs were then installed in locations around Beverley including cafes, shop windows, and at ERT. Listeners of the audio trail can try to spot all 10 cows as they follow the map around Beverley. The painted cows will be auctioned on 15th May after the evening show of ‘The Hound of the Baskervilles’.

Emma said:

“I really appreciate the commitment and creativity of the artists in painting a beautiful ‘Herd of Art’. A special thank you goes to the shops that gave up their valuable window space for these unique cows. The imagination, talent and humour from all the creatives involved within the trail will not disappoint.”

For more information on the Time Travellers’ Theatre Trail and how to download it, visit this page: https://www.eastridingtheatre.co.uk/time-travellers-theatre-trail/