Noye’s Fludde, Stratford East (co-pro with English National opera), 2019

From my programme note:

‘When we think of theatre we might think of hushed audiences, famous actors and solemn monologues. Not so in the 15th Century where Mystery Plays were performed on the streets by the community in tumultuous, vibrant scenes which took in music, dance and drama in a festival atmosphere. This was theatre for everyone. Writing in 1958 Benjamin Britten re-imagined the mystery play in Noye’s Fludde. The tale of Noah and his ark to be performed by an amateur cast of singers and musicians. TRSE and ENO have combined the community tradition of the Mystery Play and the ceremony of traditional theatre by bringing the spirit of those vibrant street-scenes onto the Stratford East stage. With a huge community cast that includes 120 local school children, 90 young musicians from East London schools, adult community choirs and a lead cast of children and young people drawn from schools right across London, this has been an epic feat of outreach, rehearsing and scheduling. We are so thankful to our partner organisations, schools, and parents, without whose dedication and support this show would simply not have been possible. As a company we have sung together, danced together, played games, eaten biscuits and learned an awful lot about theatre, opera, and what we are all capable of achieving. The talent of these young people singing and dancing on stage is quite phenomenal, and every day with them has been a privilege. This was theatre for everyone.’

This show was made with a dizzying array of performers:

Performers in Numbers (I think the technical term is A LOT):

115 Primary school children, years 2-6 as ‘Animals’ (Churchfields Junior School and Brampton Primary School) * 12 Principle young people as ‘Sons and Wives’ aged 12-16 years from across London state schools * 109 Young instrumentalists from Redbridge Music Hub, Newham Music, and ENO Baylis * 7 Guildhall undergraduate recorder players * 6 Royal College of Music students as ‘Gossips’ * 4 Young dancers, aged 9 years as ‘Ravens and Doves’ * 27 Adult choir members as ‘Rainbow Singers’ from Stratford East Singers and ENO Community Choir * 1 Conductor * 2 Professional opera singers * 1 Professional actor * 10 Professional ENO Instrumentalists.

Producer and Community Producer: Lily Einhorn

Conductor: Martin Fitzpatrick

Director: Lyndsay Turner

Designer: Soutra Gilmore

Lighting Designer: Oliver Fenwick

Video Designer: Luke Halls

Movement Director: Lynne Page

Choreographer Raven and Dove: Studio Wayne Macgregor

Assistant Director: Eva Sampson

Participant and Critical Feedback:

‘Being involved in this production, even in such a small way, reawakened my passion for theatre, which had always been a big part of my life, and brought me back to myself’ Adult singer

A video about the process is available here.

Oliver Award Winner, Outstanding Achievement in Opera: Children’s Ensemble

Erica Jeal,The Guardian, 7 July 2019 ‘The production strikes a balance between homespun and sophisticated, serious and light, ritual and performance.’