Manchester International Festival

Nina Dar — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 20:52:14 +0000

Be Braver, Bigger & Bolder!

Last night I was watching people discuss Rufus Wainwright and his decision to deliver an opera to the world for the first time. It is always fascinating to watch people analyse those who are brave enough to put themselves out there, right on a ledge, being bigger and bolder than those analysing would ever dare.

Commentary from the sidelines – we can all do that… being bold enough to follow through on the big idea, we need to see more of that!Being in Manchester right now is full of people being braver, bigger, bolder as part of the Manchester International Festival. A festival dedicated to original work – the first time for everything, how brave of all those taking part.

Out on a Ledge

If you think about the things you did for the first time, how many of them were amazing on the debut? Driving, drinking, sex? All got better with practice for me! Despite the risk of failure and opening themselves up to the analysis of the world at large, all the brave people taking part in the festival are out there on the ledge and its fab!

PZ Cussons 125 years

At the end of last year as the dark nights were drawing in and the dark clouds of the recession were forming, a group of visionary executives at PZ Cussons were discussing how they should celebrate the companies forthcoming 125 year anniversary.

PZ Cussons are seen as a quiet, understated company famous for its heritage brand Imperial Leather. For us at Cheeky Monkey they are a visionary group who have understood the need for change and have been willing to embrace it in a brave and bold way that should provide inspiration for many others to follow.

For almost 5 years now we have been leading dramatic change projects for the PZC Group and it was an honour when they asked us for ideas on how they should celebrate this milestone event.

They wanted something that introduced the new face of PZC Group to the wider population. That engaged diverse audiences, created a bit of drama and fun, had a sense of the family that is still so key to the PZC business.

The Soapbox

It was Steve and Jon at Ear to the Ground who delivered the big and the bold. They presented the idea of having a huge bubbly soapbox in Cathedral Gardens that let people discover the world of PZC. If you have not visited the Soapbox yet, take a trip – it is like getting a hug from a friend you know but have not seen for some time – comforting and familiar but new and exciting at the same time.

Follow your Heart

As we have said, being braver, bigger and bolder does not always signal immediate success. Elbow perform with the Halle tonight, in the words of Guy

“his love letter to Manchester”

For 17 years they have followed their hearts becoming the fastest selling ticket at the festival because of the enormous success they have had over the last 12 months – many people at that concert will not even realise they have a back catalogue.

It doesn’t matter if the idea is a success or failure, brings immediate recognition or takes years for people to realise what an amazing idea it was, FORTUNE FAVOURS THE BRAVE.