IRIS at The Lowry

June 30, 2017

Since late May, theatre-goers and visitors to The Lowry have had the chance to see the Lyric Theatre as never before. IRIS is a spectacular digital installation from acclaimed artists Marshmallow Laser Feast commissioned as part of The Lowry's Week 53 festival. The result of an open invitation to create a piece of work which responded to the vast 1,700-seat space, IRIS is a stunning display of light, sound, colour and technology.

Before the showing begins, our view of a smoke-filled auditorium, illuminated by powerful beams shining down from the rigging high above, offers little indication as to what was in store. Anticipation as well as smoke fills the air as a palpable sense of intrigue ripples through the audience. It is a feeling akin to the moments before the appearance of a rock band at a sold-out gig.

The auditorium goes dark and unusual noises fill the room. It sounds as if thunderclouds are crashing together, then as if a heavy door is creaking open. Something big is definitely about to happen. The heightening anticipation is pierced by a strong, bright red laser beam. As it moves around the audience one can't help but think of that infamous scene from Goldfinger, in which 007 is strapped to a laser-based torture device. But this is far more impressive than any villainous contraption.

As more laser beams appear, several audience members make knowingly-futile attempts to grasp them as they move over us. The real treat, however, is to be found by looking up. The vast space above the Lyric Theatre stage is filled with a plethora of beams. They appear to at the same time systematic and random in their movements. Stunning concentric patterns emerge, many of the beautiful shapes last only a split second before the beams disappear or swing away.

It is a tantalising digital dance and quite unlike anything we've ever seen before. After six mesmirising minutes, IRIS is gone.

We were lucky enough to be invited to a showing this week and took some shots, however the full power of IRIS can only be experienced in person. IRIS can be enjoyed free of charge before selected performances in the Lyric theatre or between 10.30am and 11.30am on Saturday 8th July.

Find out more about events at The Lowry.