McMcArts’ production Blink Margate, which took place on 27 August 2011, has been hailed as “a very significant event in terms of bringing new audiences to contemporary performance”.

Over 15,000 people flocked to Margate’s seafront – at least 5,000 more than were originally expected – to see local performers working with multi-award-winning choreographer Wayne McGregor and his company Random Dance, theatre ensemble Pan Optikum and soundscape artist Scanner.

“Blink Margate was the culmination of an extraordinary process and a very enjoyable six months working with local schools, colleges, youth clubs and other local people,” says McMc Arts co-Director Jane McMorrow. “It was amazing that the young dancers were not phased by having to perform in front of such a huge crowd. On the night they did an amazing job.”

Blink Margate was a major collaboration involving Kent County Council, South East Dance, Thanet College, Thanet District Council,Theatre Royal, Margate, Turner Contemporary and the University of Kent. What made Blink really special was the level of local involvement. “It’s been great to get such positive feedback from local businesses and it was wonderful that they all embraced the event in the way that they did,” says McMorrow. “Thank you to everyone who helped make this such a great success.”

Among the positive critical responses to the piece of work, Total Theatre said: “The sweeping breadth and ambition of the project is impressive…As a community focused spectacle of huge proportions Blink Margate cannot be faulted in terms of engagement, inclusion and sheer awe of scale.”

McMcArts is a London and Brighton-based producing company focussed on working with outstanding artists, cultural organisations and communities. We develop ideas, seek funding, and deliver high quality, unique arts events. We are particularly passionate about developing site specific, outdoor, cross art-form and large scale performance.

Photo: Steve Kreeger

View slideshow of Blink Margate