The Inspiration
On the 19th July 2010, the Prime Minister David Cameron delivered a speech in Liverpool on the new government policy “Big Society” in Liverpool. It’s core themes looked to support community and help those most in need, all the while, the government were actually already bringing large cuts to public services that supported vulnerable people; the very people Big Society needed to be helping.
The Plot
A surreal gritty musical set against Prime Minister David Cameron’s Austerity Britain. Linda, a strong woman in her later 40’s, works with young offenders. Facing unemployment and the pending closure of the centre where she works, she thinks only of Connor, a vulnerable 14 year old who has no one, apart from her. Linda risks her relationship , her home and her reputation to help him. But as she fights for control she realises she has none.
Save Our Centre
Our wonderful composer and multi-instrumentalist Andy Frizell created 16 original songs for the film with most of them subverting excerpts of that speech. Cameron stated: “You can call it liberalism. You can call it empowerment. You can call it freedom. You can call it responsibility.” Jenny John plays the part of the youth centre’s manager. She goes to the protest march against the austerity measures that are making horrific cuts to the youth service amongst other vital services. At the march she sings the same words that Cameron said but then goes on to sing, “You can call it what you want – but save our centre!”
It's Our Big Society
Cameron stated: “You can call it liberalism. And there’s an amazing moment in the film when the ‘Big Society’ song is sung. Where over 250 people march down the street in protest, screaming “It’s our Big Society. Not yours!”
Something Bold
David Cameron also spouted “It’s time for something different, something bold”. Paula Simms, who plays the lead character Linda, sings the recorded song and Sean McKenna, who plays her drag queen neighbour, mimes to her recording during a club scene.
“It’s time for something different,
It’s time for something bold,
It’s time for something that resembles
What we have been told.
Goodbye to broken promises
Farewell to shattered schemes
It’s time for us to follow our dreams.”
Making Big Society the Musical
With the community of Liverpool at its heart, the film depicts over 300 local voices and utilises a multitude of musical numbers to convey its story. It engaged local people including actors, dancers, singers and amazing talent such as the internationally renowned composer Andy Frizell, choreographer Sarah Black and award-winning actress Paula Simms. We were also supported by many organisations throughout Liverpool but found what made it so special was the amount of time and effort everyone put in because they believed in the project.
