Little Fish, Big Dream

October 8th 2018 | Categories: Financial Planning |

There’s no greater inspiration than facilitating a dream come true.

And while Invest Blue Armidale may be well versed in fulfilling financial aims, not all goals are monetary.

Certainly the grand vision by one local production company, Little Fish Entertainment, to create a large scale, professionally run, local production of ‘Chicago’ piqued the interest of the financial planners.

Invest Blue’s Lexi Glover said the decision to support Little Fish Entertainment as a major sponsor, was an easy one.

“As a generous contributor to the local community, Invest Blue is passionate about supporting the diversity of talent that makes our region so vibrant,” Lexi said.

“The opportunity to collaborate with the local production company is so exciting, and Invest Blue is thrilled to be supporting and promoting Armidale’s rich creative talent.”

“We’re also so proud to be helping ensure that a long-held vision by the creators finally becomes a reality.” Get in touch.

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Little Fish Entertainment Creative Director and owner, Sarah Watson described ‘Chicago’ as the epitome of the Little Fish team ‘dreaming big and having a go’.

“Personally, this production holds with it a massive risk – although the process of producing a show is, in itself, an incredible experience, the financial cost is often at the forefront of my mind.”

“Most people who make the choice to pursue a career in the arts understand that with it comes financial uncertainty, but the drive and passion to create is far too compelling to be ignored.”

“The sponsorship that Invest Blue has provided for the production helps make the show a reality, it greatly assists in helping us realise our vision by directly contributing to paying off Royalty fees and venue hire.”

“On top of this, and for us, even more importantly, it demonstrates a belief in the importance of the arts in our community and the overarching idea of what Little Fish Entertainment represents, which is to educate, empower and unify through compelling works that inspire a greater appreciation of the arts in society.”
Whilst Armidale enjoys a creative community, Sarah admits that running an arts-based business will always fluctuate, pending on the cultural climate.

“Melissa Killen, our other Creative Director, and I shared the desire to produce this show for years – and then the stars aligned, bringing an incredible group of performers and musicians together from around the world, and we knew the time was right to make it happen!”

A unique show – satirical, bawdy and funny, Sarah laughs that ‘Chicago’ has just enough self-awareness to not fall down the musical rabbit hole of ‘excessive jazz hands and naff-ness’.

“From the very first imaginings and concept design for ‘Chicago,’ the team knew they wanted to create a very special atmosphere for their audience.”

“The venue will be transformed into a 1920’s style Speakeasy with cabaret-style seating, a lounge area and fully licensed bar, with the ‘catered ticket’ option including a share platter and bubbles on arrival.”

“The show itself will be a treat for the eyes and ears, with former local, Anthony Carlon, who now works professionally in Sydney, returning to design all technical elements of the show.”

This, she enthuses, is a show all about ‘showcasing homegrown talent across all disciplines and transporting audiences to another time and place’.

After four years of discussion, the Little Fish team embarked on their ‘Chicago’ journey in early 2017.

“Developing a full-scale musical production isn’t a small feat, the logistics and planning that goes into even getting to pre-production are so much more than many people can even imagine, especially when the initial budget is all but none existent.”

“Over the past twelve months, Little Fish has been fortunate in creating incredible relationships with some of the best musicians, dancers and performers Armidale has to offer.

With only a six-week rehearsal period, performers and musicians will hit the ground running, with all dialogue and song lyrics learnt prior.

“We need to make the most of these last six weeks, and as this production is being held at the Main Pavilion within the Armidale Showground, everything within the venue must be designed, built off-site and then relocated into the pavilion.”

“And as opposed to using a conventional theatre space, all front of house chairs, tables, ticket booths, bars, refrigeration, decorations, staging and technical elements must all be thought of in advance and any small thing forgotten could mean disaster come production week, so the preparation and organisation has to be spot on!”

Running from November 1 to 10, the countdown is on, but as opening night fast approaches, Sarah is calmly confident.

“Nothing is ever for certain, but taking a risk to do what you love will always be worth it in the eyes of Little Fish.”

Chicago tickets are available online via www.trybooking.com/UXVY

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