Brixham Chimes is a distressing but beautifully put together production, which I saw at Ludlow Assembly Rooms on the 15th November. The show raises awareness of how overfishing and outsourcing by large corporations is impacting the planet and local fishing communities in the UK. The music was composed and performed live by Tim Harris, while wordsmithing and performance came from author Jim Funnel.
To say I was caught off-guard would be an understatement, but I enjoyed it nonetheless. A strong combination of thought-provoking visuals, emotive composition, and the steady rhythm of Jim Funnel’s voice created a situation where even if you closed your eyes you could still visualise the film playing out before you. At least it was in my case.
I think the most enticing thing about Brixham Chimes was that it is about a real issue. It was heart-breaking how what was being said and what was shown to you wasn't directed from a producer's mind. The words weren't situations conjured up from his imagination. The clips weren’t scenes from a fantasy film. They were real.
One of the main thoughts that came to mind was how similar to David Attenborough it was. They both have a passion and appreciation of nature and acknowledge the issues humans pose for the future of species. In Brixham Chimes' case, this is of the wellbeing of fish, and by extension the future health of the oceans, which cover over 70% of the Earth’s surface.
Brixham Chimes highlighted to me how important it is that we, as stewards of this planet, should be conscious of every decision we make and be aware of the impacts and consequences those decisions have. Because eventually they will come back round to us, and the results aren't going to be pretty.
I would say that it is well worth sitting through and engaging with the Q&A after the show, as it will give you more information on what Brixham Chimes is about and you’re also guaranteed to learn something new. The Q&A gave the audience the chance to discuss their opinions about the production and other related topics with Jim Funnel and other audience members. I haven't been to many Q&A sessions in my life, but to me Jim Funnel’s Q&A didn’t feel like a Q&A. It felt like a discussion, where those engaged in it were having a calm, open-ended discussion amongst themselves, minus the occasional heated discussion due to the delicate nature of the topics raised.
“To speak the name of the dead is to make him live again.”
Quote from Brixham Chimes
The overall feel I received from those I was with was how depressing it was. They walked in not knowing what to expect and, to be honest, I think their reactions were understandable. I can’t speak for Jim Funnel or Tim Harris, but I would say from their reactions that Brixham Chimes had the intended effect. It was an eye-opener. It’s a reminder, in a way, that the operations corporations are carrying out in the seas and the horrifying treatment of the ocean's inhabitants, in life and death, is depressing and it’s happening right under our noses, but also in plain sight.
The reactions of my peers and the topics brought up in the Q&A highlighted to me how important pieces like Brixham Chimes are for spreading information and awareness of serious issues happening all around the world, or even in your local supermarket. Even if you don’t see Brixham Chimes, I will urge you to go and see other works like it, talking about and raising issues to which we often turn a blind eye.
“More than a lifetime can be lived in seconds here.”
Quote from Brixham Chimes
To receive more information about Brixham Chimes and Jim Funnel, visit here.
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