10 April 2007
Local talent search begins for Wanstead Park opera
The search is on for 120 enthusiastic musicians, singers,
actors, jugglers, costume-makers and set-builders for an ambitious
community performing arts project to be held in Wanstead Park this
June.
As part of the 125 th anniversary celebrations of Wanstead Park,
the City of London Corporation will host an unique event that will
see local people working alongside a professional theatre director,
musical director, choreographer and chorus director, to create a
performance of ‘Pleasure Gardens’. The production will be based on
the Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens , a popular evening venue for the
upper classes during the hey-day of Wanstead Park and the now
demolished Wanstead House.
The City of London is looking for a variety of people to help to
stage the performance, which will take place in front of the Temple
, a classical garden house and one of the few surviving buildings
of the estate.
People interested in taking part in this unique project
should call the Epping Forest
Visitor Centre on 0208 508 0028 to request an information
pack and a registration of interest form.
A preliminary meeting will be held at the Temple on Saturday 19
May at 10.30am . Rehearsals will take place on 9, 10, 23 and 24
June, with the one evening performance on Sunday 24 June.
Rachael Holtom, Heritage Education Officer at Epping Forest ,
said:
“If you enjoy music-making, singing, acting or dancing, this is
a great opportunity for you and your friends and family to join in
a unique celebration of this special local place.”
Ends
Note for editors
Epping Forest :
Epping Forest , a major public open space and a site of
international importance for its cultural and wildlife value, is
owned and managed by the City of London . Since the 1870’s it has
had a policy of protecting open spaces for the enjoyment of
Londoners. This policy was subsequently adopted by central and
local government and the Green Belt was born.
The City of London Corporation acquired the 140 acre Wanstead
Park in 1880 and opened it to the public for their recreation and
enjoyment in 1882.
Press enquires to Michelle Poole at the City of London : 0207
332 3450 or
email