Max and the Magic Marker is a popular video game that was developed by Press Play and released in 2010. The game follows the adventures of a young boy named Max who discovers a magical marker that brings his drawings to life. Max can use the marker to create platforms, bridges, and other objects that help him navigate through the game's levels. The main idea of Max and the Magic Marker is the power of imagination. Max is able to overcome obstacles and defeat enemies by using his creativity and drawing skills. Players must use the marker to solve puzzles and complete challenges in order to progress through the game.
Fiona Bayer's amulet depicts a falcon with a songbird in its talons, hung on a heavy golden chain.
We are also concerned that there is a lack of clarity regarding the extent of the building to which the proposed change of use applies and that this could unwittingly cause the loss of the building s protected theatre status. Because it was made before the Breaking, the Waterlow amulet is not limited as the modern amulets and lasts permanently, not requiring to be renewed by the clansfolk.
Players must use the marker to solve puzzles and complete challenges in order to progress through the game. The gameplay in Max and the Magic Marker is unique and innovative. Players control Max by using the mouse or a game controller to draw objects on the screen.
Amulet Theatre
A gift to Shepton Mallet by the local Babycham brewing family, the Amulet is an unusual Brutalist theatre with a unique retractable seating system which may be the only one in existence in the UK.
Address 7 Market Place, Shepton Mallet, BA4 5AZ Risk Rating 6 (Community Rating: 2, Star Value: 1, Risk Factor: 3) Local Authority Mendip District Council Local Group Local consortium of four organisations Owner Private Architect Unknown Date of Construction 1974 Listing Not listed Capacity 270 Database Link View in Theatres DatabaseSignificance
The Amulet was built in the early 1970s, opening in 1975. Originally known as The Centre it was re-named in the 1990s following the discovery of a Roman amulet in excavations nearby. A philanthropic gift from the Showering family, local brewers famed for Babycham, the theatre was part of a major redevelopment of Shepton Mallet funded by the family and was intended to provide a cultural and creative legacy.
Architecturally it is Brutalist in style, flanked by a block of offices and retail units along Market Square that were part of the same development. The theatre is located at first-floor level and features a fly tower and large foyer. It was built with the best theatre technology of the time and designed to be flexible. Significantly, it includes what is believed to be the UK’s last remaining example of a motorised ceiling carrying seats, which descends to convert the flat floor of the theatre into a space with raked seating.
The Amulet hosted theatre, live music and film screenings and as the only theatre in the town and with limited provision in the wider area, it became an important venue in this part of Somerset.
The Amulet is an unusual style of building for this area with unique theatre technology and an interesting social history with its connection to the Showering family.
Why is this theatre at risk?
The Amulet was added to the Theatres at Risk Register in 2022.
The Amulet was acquired by the Bristol Academy of Performing Arts (BAPA) in the mid-2000s, refurbishing the building and using it as an education and training centre known as the Academy with a full programme of public theatre and performance use maintained in the evenings. BAPA went into administration in 2011 and the Amulet was acquired by a private owner and has been closed as a theatre since. The auditorium has been in use as a gym but there is no record of planning permission having been obtained for this use.
In July 2020, the owner of the Amulet submitted a planning application to convert the building into apartments with a portion of the ground floor converted into a retail unit. This would see irreversible alteration that would result in the permanent loss of this theatre as an asset for the town and its people. It would also see a private individual profiting from what was a gift to the people of Shepton Mallet.
Theatres Trust submitted a strong objection to the proposals, as did a number of local individuals, Shepton Mallet Town Council, and a consortium of local cultural organisations. Our submission cites a lack of evidence that the theatre is surplus to requirements and therefore the proposals conflict with local and national planning policy. While the building has been vacant for some years, this is not through lack of want in the community. We understand that requests from community groups to view or hire the building were left unanswered and that rents demanded were far in excess of what would be reasonable for a theatre of this size in this location. The application remains undetermined because Somerset is an area where decisions on residential developments have been halted due to phosphate levels
In November 2021, a further application was submitted to progress the retail element of the scheme in the interim and we objected on the same basis. We are also concerned that there is a lack of clarity regarding the extent of the building to which the proposed change of use applies and that this could unwittingly cause the loss of the building’s protected theatre status. The proposal has been supported by Shepton Mallet Town Council, although this carries no legal weight. The application remains undetermined by Mendip District Council.
Theatre potential
Although the theatre has been used as a gym it is thought that it remains substantially complete and that it could be quite easily reverted to live performance use, or used for compatible mixed arts, community and cultural use. There is no other provision within Shepton Mallet, little within the wider area and great interest in the facility amongst local theatre and community groups.
The building remains in lawful theatre use (Sui Generis). We believe as a theatre or cultural facility the Amulet could be a catalyst for drawing people into the town centre, benefitting other shops and businesses.
Current situation
Theatre use ceased with the administration of its previous operator in 2011. The auditorium and now the ground floor of the building have been used as a gym within the last few years without planning permission for change of use. There has in the recent past been a planning application permitted for change of use of the ground floor to a pub / drinking establishment, but the auditorium above would have been retained, as would the potential to utilise it again for performances.
The 2020 planning application which proposed converting the building into residential apartments remains undetermined. A campaign group consisting of local arts and cultural organisations want to see the building re-established as a cultural venue, and they have worked together to engage a planning consultant to object to the plans.
In late 2021, the theatre’s owner, working with Bar 501 (a cocktail and gin bar located adjacent to the theatre), announced plans to use part of the ground floor space of the Amulet as a venue for live performance. The detail of the cultural offer, the design of the space and the owner’s intentions for the remainder of the building have yet to be clarified.
The ambition to reopen part of the building after such a prolonged period of closure has attracted cautious but positive responses from the community. A live performance / bar venue on the ground floor could complement a theatre and arts space at the first-floor level. However, until such time as more information is provided there remains concern that the proposals – as they stand – may fall short of the local demand for arts, community and cultural use. We also wish to ensure that any change of use that may be approved for the ground floor of the building does not compromise the potential reuse of the theatre space at first-floor level and the greater reuse of this building for arts and culture.
The addition of the building to the Theatres at Risk Register in 2022 resulted in several individuals contacting us to express their interest in using the venue for live performance / entertainment. We have provided introductions to the owner and also between the groups. It is hoped that this may be the start of wider, more fruitful discussions between all parties regarding the overall future use of the building.
Theatres Trust will continue to seek to work with the owner, the local council and community groups to see the Amulet brought back into cultural use.
Photo of the Amulet by Karen Mercer.
These objects then become tangible and interactable, allowing Max to use them to his advantage. For example, drawing a line can create a platform that Max can walk on, while drawing a slope can help him reach higher areas. The graphics in Max and the Magic Marker are visually appealing and colorful, giving the game a charming and whimsical atmosphere. The levels are imaginative and varied, with different themes and challenges to keep players engaged. Overall, Max and the Magic Marker is a fun and creative game that encourages players to think outside the box and use their imagination to overcome obstacles. It is a great game for both children and adults who enjoy puzzle-platformers and want to experience a unique and magical adventure..
Reviews for "Level Up Your Skills: Tips for Mastering Max and the Magic Marker"
1. Megan - 2 stars
I found Max and the Magic Marker to be underwhelming and uninspiring. The gameplay was repetitive and the controls were clunky, making it frustrating to even navigate through the levels. The story was also lackluster and didn't provide any real depth or engaging elements. Overall, I was disappointed with this game and would not recommend it.
2. James - 1 star
Max and the Magic Marker was a huge letdown for me. The graphics were highly pixelated, making it difficult to appreciate the visuals. The puzzles were also too simplistic and didn't offer any challenge or excitement. Additionally, the game lacked replay value as there was no motivation to revisit completed levels. I regret purchasing this game and wish I had spent my money on something more worthwhile.
3. Sarah - 2 stars
I was not impressed with Max and the Magic Marker. The controls felt clunky and unresponsive, which hindered my overall gaming experience. The levels were uninspired and failed to offer any real sense of accomplishment. The concept of using a magic marker to solve puzzles seemed promising, but unfortunately, it fell flat in execution. I finished the game feeling unfulfilled and unsatisfied.
4. Ryan - 2 stars
Max and the Magic Marker did not live up to the hype for me. The levels felt repetitive and lacked creativity. The physics-based gameplay mechanics were frustrating at times, as it seemed like the marker's behavior was inconsistent. The story was predictable and uninteresting, failing to capture my attention throughout the game. Although the idea behind the game was promising, the execution left much to be desired.
5. Alex - 1 star
Max and the Magic Marker was a complete disappointment. The game felt dated and lacked innovation. The controls were clunky and unresponsive, making it frustrating to progress through the levels. The overall gameplay experience felt shallow and repetitive, leaving me bored and uninterested. I would not recommend wasting your time or money on this lackluster game.