DreamArts, the charity that provides creative opportunities for young people across inner London, will celebrate the 10th anniversary of its New Musicals programme with a special performance at the Royal Opera House’s Linbury Studio Theatre.
Carnival – The Musical will play on 9 October following appearances at the Cockpit and Tabernacle theatres earlier this month. Featuring a company of 40 young people, the brand new musical evokes all the excitement and energy of the Notting Hill carnival.
A reluctant carnival queen dreams of escaping her elaborate costume and dancing through the crowds, but when her world collides with a street smart hoodie she finds herself on an adventure she never could have imagined, dodging gangsters and seeking help from new friends. Suitable for all ages, the musical discovers the true meaning of carnival – freedom.
Graham Whitlock, Artistic Director of DreamArts, said: “Carnival – The Musical has been created by talented young Londoners inspired by the world’s biggest street party. It is perfect to be taking Carnival to the prestigious venue where our first new musical performed 10 years ago.”
DreamArts was set up in 1997 to offer young people in Westminster and neighbouring areas the chance to create work for professional theatres that reflected their lives. Divided into four programmes – Weekend Programme, Mobile Arts Programme, Step Up and Special Projects – the charity offers acting, singing and dance training and gives vulnerable groups, such as young carers and those suffering with disabilities, the chance to be involved in the creative arts.
The New Musicals programme was launched in 2001 with the inaugural production of 1001 Arabian Nights performed at the Royal Opera House. Since then hundreds of young people have produced and performed in new urban musicals in professional theatres across London.
Steve Potts, DreamArts’s Chairman, described the forthcoming performance as “a fitting celebration of 10 years of DreamArts, which continues to go from strength to strength.”
CM