Lichfield Cathedral has announced that a community theatre piece that takes visitors on an immersive interactive journey into its history and heritage sold out within 24 hours.
Community theatre project at Lichfield Cathedral is sell-out
Echoes, is a community engagement project, part of the National Lottery Heritage Funded central spire project to restore and repair one of the three “ladies of the vale” as the three spires of the Grade 1 Listed Lichfield Cathedral are colloquially known.
A core cast from the local community aged from 13 to over 70 began working together in January, devising and rehearsing a promenade piece that tells the story of the spire, its construction, destruction and restoration, through theatre, dance and music.
The project has been supported by a small team of creatives: Young Producer Emily Lowe, BOA Student Millie-May Terrington and Director Emily Summers of Bostin’ Creative.
This community theatre project will run alongside the oral histories project and exhibitions designed to make the history of the Cathedral and its spires accessible to the local community in new ways.
Emily Summers said:
“Our talented cast have spent weeks researching and exploring the history of Lichfield Cathedral. Developing scenes, concepts, and characters in rehearsals at the Old Stables – close enough to hear the bells ring!”
Emily continues:
“The audience will be taken on an intimate journey through time and around the Cathedral. They will come face to face with saints, stonemasons, victorians, Roundheads, Royalists, and more, with pop-up performances from a number of community groups.”
“ECHOES promises to be an immersive experience full of secrets, history, heart, and hope. We’re very proud of it. Don’t miss out!”
The tickets which are free with a ‘pay what you can’ message went on sale last Friday but were limited to 70 per performance and sold out within 24 hours.
There is now a waiting list for the performances which are scheduled for Saturday and Sunday evenings, 11 and 12 May.
The Central Spire Project is a £1m project to restore and rebuild the central spire and create a new public exhibition space and new tours when the tower is re-opened. The restoration is made possible thanks to The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Garfield Weston Foundation, the Wolfson Foundation, HS2 Community and Environment Fund, and the Headley Trust, along with many other grants and donations generously contributed by hundreds of donors.
