DreamArts Presents CARNIVAL THE MUSICAL, September 2

DreamArts, the charity which creates opportunities for young people across inner London to learn through the creative arts, will celebrate ten years of its New Musicals programme with seven special performances of CARNIVAL - THE MUSICAL.

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."

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.

"Hugely ambitious and really set the stage alight... a fantastically eclectic score of blues, reggae, hip hop, and street sounds."
Michael Coveney, theatre critic, on a DreamArts' past production

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.

"London's leading youth arts company delivers constant action, outstanding singing and dance, live music and inspiring performances."
British Theatre Guide

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 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."

BOOK TICKETS NOW!
Advance Tickets £9 adults / £4.50 concessions... (+10% booking fee) on the door £12 adults /£6 concessions...

The Cockpit Theatre Gateforth St, NW8 8EH Off Church Street-10 minutes from Marylebone or Edgeware Rd Tube Advance tickets www.wegottickets.com Fri 2 Sept: 4pm show is Pay What You Can / 8pm Sat 3 Sept: 4pm / 8pm Sun 4 Sept: 4pm / 8pm

Tabernacle Powis Square, W11 2AY 10 minutes from Notting Hill Gate or Westbourne Park Tube Advance tickets www.tabernaclew11.com Tues 6 Sept: 8pm Weds 7 Sept: 8pm