Friday 5 - Saturday 27 October, 7.30pm (matinees 20/27 Oct 2.30pm), £12 (concessions £9), Govanhill Baths, Glasgow. 0141 565 1000. www.thearches.co.uk
Swimming pools — you know, those places that charge money for the apparent pleasure of sharing a well of chlorinated liquid with a bunch of people you wish weren’t there — are about to get more interesting.
Specifically, one of them is hosting a piece of theatre this month, as Arches Artist In Residence Adrian Howells presents a bold new work at Govanhill Baths in Glasgow.
Incorporating movement, projection and sound, Lifeguard examines our psychological relationship with water — a substance that inspires both comfort and fear — and evaluates the positive role swimming can play in our lives.
If that isn’t original enough for you, audiences are encouraged to come along to the show in their swimsuits (however nippy it is outside). They can even have a dip, if they want to, while Howells and actor/dancer Ira Mandela perform a scripted splash-about.
Complementing this theatrical experience is an art exhibition entitled Water Water Everywhere, which is created by children at primary schools across Glasgow’s south side.
Yes, you really are reading these words. No, you are not in need of more coffee. This is, quite simply, a unique event that needs to be seen to be believed.
