About Us
We create unique and unusual performance installations. A show where the structure, performance, soundtrack and location create a sum larger than the parts. The shows are all curious, slightly impossible and the illusions powerful.
Who we are
After leaving Art School in Brighton in the early 80’s, Steve Edgar worked as a graphic artist, writer, musician and stand-up comedian. The Dream Engine was formed in January 1995 by Steve and his friend Tim Petter to combine the talents of a pool of musicians, performers, and fabricators to produce rare and wonderful performance events.
In 2016, Jackie Edgar joined Steve as Company Manager. Our core company can be expanded to include up to twenty artists and technicians, on a project-by-project basis.
What we do
Our performance work divides between public street arts festivals in the UK and Europe, and the corporate market – parties, product launches, music concerts, expos and sports events, right across the globe.
Half of our work is abroad. Largely unfunded, we create much of our new work by pitching ideas to those adventurous event producers who have enjoyed our previous shows and are after something even more extraordinary.
Our ideas combine Science and Art to explore new possibilities and we invent unique installations to offer performers new challenges to create magic. As a theme, our installations are made of air and gas-filled fabric, so big structures can pack up small and tour easily.
“Our ideas combine Science and Art to explore new possibilities”
RECENT WORK
- Sydfest19, Australia
- Tollwood Winterfest, Germany
- Autonomy, Paris
- Lollapalooza, Berlin
- Field of Women, Melbourne
- Glow Festival, Gold Coast, Australia
- 5tardium, Seoul
- Qingdao International Beer Festival, China
- Coex & Ansan Street Arts Festivals, Seoul
- Cirque du Soleil, Dubai
- Festival of Cigars, Havana
- Quantas 95th Anniversary, Sydney
- Macro Opening, Cairo
- Finale Show, Venice Carnivale
- Opening Ceremony, Chongquing Tiandi
- Muse European Stadium Tours
- FA Cup Final, Wembley
- Arafura Games Opening, Darwin
- HSBC Bank launch, Hong Kong
- Breitling Med Cup, Alicante, Spain
- Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony, Manchester
- Opening of Grand Lisboa Casino, Macau
- Jockey Club, Hong Kong
- Cirque de Soleil, Maui
- Henley Festival
- Circus Roncalli, Hamburg
- Princes Trust, Highgrove
- Derby Day, Epsom
- Heineken Cup Final, Cardiff
- Perth International Festival
- Commonwealth Games, Melbourne
- Cavalcade of Light, Toronto
FAQs
Heavy rain or wind speeds over 7m/s may cause us to alter or cancel a show. It is not likely (about 6% of shows) but possible. Flexibility with the performance area and timings can help us keep cancellations low.
Gobos projecting onto the surface, 3m banners attached to it and covers around the whole surface of the balloon are all effective. Please enquire for costs, dimensions etc.
No. Our business is creating shows using the Heliosphere, combining light and sound to make magic. On a few occasions we have incorporated singers, musicians and celebrities into shows, but they have undergone the appropriate training and rehearsal with us.
Yes and to great effect. We require at least 12m ceiling height clearance.
For the Heliosphere it’s less than 100kg, so a crew of 4 can often travel with little or no excess baggage charges. Other shows will need freighting. Dimensions and weights are available on request.
We need the following information for all shows:
- Venue. We require site plans, photos, sketches, Google Earth images etc. Please mark on the plan all other infrastructure and equipment that will be in the space – this helps us to plan the best preparation and performance area for the show.
- Schedule of Event Timings. A rough schedule will help us plan our preparation times and travel arrangements so all deadlines are met.
- Creative Overview. Describe what you’d like to achieve, with detail of any other shows that might be performing before or after. All of this helps provide the best show possible.
Behind the scenes
CONTACT US
If you have an enquiry or want to discuss a show concept, please e-mail Jackie with details of your event and we will be delighted to make a proposal for the best show possible.
Email: jackie@thedreamengine.co.uk
Telephone: +44 (0)7976 780745