CARNIVAL THE MUSICAL To Play the Royal Opera House October 9

DreamArts, the charity which creates opportunities for young people across inner London to learn through the creative arts, is happy to announce that the celebrations for ten years of its New Musicals programme will culminate in a very special performance of its latest show CARNIVAL - THE MUSICAL at the Royal Opera House's Linbury Studio Theatre on Sunday 9 October at 7.30pm. The show recently wowed audiences when it debuted in London's Cockpit and Tabernacle theatres earlier this month, and the company of 40 young people are thrilled to be given the opportunity to perform in one of London's most iconic and prestigious venues.

The heart and soul of Notting Hill Carnival is captured in a new youth musical for all ages. A reluctant Carnival Queen dreams of escaping her elaborate costume and dancing through the crowds. When her world collides with a street smart hoodie, together they must dodge gangsters and seek help from Rampage DJs, Calypso Monarchs, and Nicki Minaj, before discovering 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 captures the music, dance, costumes, heart and soul of Notting Hill Carnival, and celebrates its true meaning - freedom. It is perfect to be taking CARNIVAL to the prestigious venue where our first new musical performed ten years ago'."
DreamArts was set up in 1997 in order to give young people in Westminster and neighbouring areas the opportunity to create original works that explore and reflect their lives, deliver routes into education, work and training and enable them to make a positive impact on their community. DreamArts is divided into four programme areas: Weekend Programmes, Step Up Programme, Mobile Arts Programme, and Special Projects, which incorporates the New Musicals Programme.

The inaugural production of the New Musicals Programme was 1001 Arabian Nights, performed at the Royal Opera House in 2001. Over the last ten years, hundreds of young people have been given a unique opportunity to create, produce and perform new urban musicals in professional theatres.

Steve Potts, DreamArts' Chairman, said: "DreamArts endeavours to help transform young people's lives by engaging them in all aspects of producing top quality shows, with a view to creating a talent pool of well rounded, committed and driven individuals who will go on to be happy members of society and valuable future employees. With limited resources but unlimited energy and commitment, DreamArts provides this service to many hundreds of young people every year. CARNIVAL - THE MUSICAL at the Royal Opera House is a new and exciting extension of this work which will enable yet more young people to benefit from the experience - a fitting celebration of 10 years of DreamArts, which continues to go from strength to strength."

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Details of DreamArts' Four Programme Areas:

Weekend Programme gives over a hundred 8-19 year olds in severely deprived areas training in acting, singing and dance, showcasing their talents in West End theatres.
Mobile Arts Programme takes creativity to vulnerable groups, including young carers, those with disabilities, and those involved in anti-social behaviour.
Step Up gives young people opportunities to run their own projects and develop their entrepreneurial skills.
Special Projects give young people the chance to tell their stories in professional theatre environments.

DreamArts Special Projects are underpinned by the principles of empowerment, participation and peer education. Recruitment policies emphasise ‘experience is not as important as commitment and enthusiasm' and 70% will be taking part for the first time. It increases involvement from those who otherwise couldn't afford such an opportunity, and 65% are from Black Minority Ethnic backgrounds. Young people are targeted via DreamArts' strong referral network of youth provisions in Westminster and neighbouring boroughs, and schools serving severely deprived areas. Young people take creative autonomy at all levels including research, planning, delivery and evaluation. Participants develop creative skills within a professional company environment, mentored and supported by a staff team of leading youth arts and creative professionals. Support includes career and training advice and an accredited Arts Award for their achievements, with 92% of last years participants stating that they now aspire to a career in the arts. It also develops transferable personal and social skills, including teamwork, self-confidence, flexibility and communication.