World Premiere of The Otley Run Song

Headingley’s fancy-dress pub crawl and its impacts on residents will be performed through song this weekend by The Otley Run Complaints Choir.

Once upon a time, a Peapod, a Whoopie Cushion and a Pineapple met some Superheroes and listened to their tales of doing The Otley Run.

They talked with year-round residents and listened to their stories of life with The Run. And then met with some of the pubs and businesses along the Otley Road, some of whom make money from The Run, but others who struggle.
 
Lots and lots of words were generated. And these were gifted to the talented Leeds singer-songerwriter Nicky Bray. 
 
Nicky worked a minor miracle to turn these words – many of whom didn’t like each other much – into Love It or Hate It: The Otley Run Song – a restorative modern ballad for our difficult times.
 
The Otley Run Complaints Choir was formed, and over the weeks rehearsed the song. And a fashion director came on board to make special themed costumes. 
 
Our modern ballad is now ready.

You can listen or even take part in this unique performance on Saturday 25 July, next to The Skyrack pub on Headlingley Lane at 2pm, 2.45pm and 3.30pm. 
 
Come and be a part of Headingley history in the making!

 

Venue

Between St Michael’s Church and The Skyrack
Headingley Lane
Leeds
LS6 3AY

More information

The Otley Run Complaints Choir is a project led by Dr Anna Douglas from the School of Fine Art, History of Art and Cultural Studies, in partnership with Sue Jennings (Director, Left Bank Leeds) and singer-songerwriter Nicky Bray.

With generous support and funding from the University of Leeds, Cultural Institute, Leeds Arts and Humanities Research Institute, Left Bank Leeds and the Otley Run Action Group.

Find out more about The Otley Run Complaints Choir.

Image

Nicky Bray, Sue Jennings and Anna Douglas speak to people along the Otley Run route as part of the Otley Run Complaints Choir project. Drawing by Sue Jennings.