New Choral Theatre Production Comes to Liverpool Cathedral With A Very Special Opportunity To Get Involved

A new choral theatre production has been announced for Spring in one of Liverpool's most stunning venues - with an opportunity for community singers to get involved.

Cut To The Chase Productions presents THROUGH THE WILDERNESS by John Browne and Jen Heyes taking place at Liverpool Cathedral on 16 May and 17 May at 8pm.

A man leaves his home, his family, all that's familiar to him. He wanders out into the wilderness in search of something he can't name, something authentic, something true.

The focus of this new piece of choral theatre is spirituality. It tells the universal story of the quest for meaning - a kind of journey of the soul for twenty first century Britain. It's not aligned with any particular faith or religion and uses extracts from classic texts, pop culture and advertising.

The production's score merges earthbound and mystical music, ethereal and pop, with organ, piano, percussion and bells, exploiting the sonic and spatial wonders of Liverpool Cathedral - bringing together a sacred choir, a choir of vulnerable adults and a community choir.

Co-creators John Browne and Jen Heyes met whilst working with a group of vulnerable adults for Opera North and St George's Crypt in Leeds. This collaboration led them to develop an idea for a new piece of choral theatre which they felt compelled to explore.

Liverpool-based director and producer Jen Heyes's work includes the highly acclaimed Tony Teardrop staged at the Bombed-out Church in Liverpool, Epstein - The Man Who Made the Beatles at London's West End and TREASURED also staged at Liverpool Cathedral. Her other work includes Curiouser & Curiouser for Young Tate Liverpool with Punchdrunk Enrichment. The Spirit of Christmas concert series for Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra featuring Lesley Garrett. Jen has recently been developing a new play with London Artists Projects at Barbican Arts Centre and Arcola Theatre.

Irish-born composer John Browne recently wrote the music for The Suppliant Women - which premiered in Switzerland, before gaining 5-star reviews at Royal Lyceum Edinburgh and Manchester Royal Exchange, and will be going to The Young Vic this autumn - and The Events (Guardian's no.1 theatre show of 2013). Both of these productions feature community choirs at their heart. He has also created works for Royal Opera House, English National Opera, Westminster Abbey, and Southbank Centre, and choral arrangements for the band Elbow.

Jen Hayes commented: "We want to hear from community singers who would love to be part of this important live show and perform in the magnificent Liverpool Cathedral. This is going to be a very memorable experience for everyone involved in it as well as those coming along to watch: anyone interested in joining us should email info@cuttothechaseproductions.co.uk for more details of how to get involved"

John Browne says: "We warmly welcome anyone who can hold a note to join us for a short intensive rehearsal period in early May. This is an extraordinary opportunity to sing rich affecting music in the glorious acoustic of the cathedral".

Through the Wilderness is a pilot. Tickets are free but places are limited and must be reserved in advance by registering on Event Brite. Admission is by ticket only.

Through the Wilderness is in Association with Liverpool Cathedral Youth Choir, Tom Harrison House, Genie in the Gutter, Liverpool Iranian community, The Brink, Blue Room Dance.

Choreography: Jo Blowers and Mary Prestidge

Guests are advised there will be chairs for the performance, but are encouraged to take along a cushion.

Reserve free tickets by visiting Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com

Follow on social media for further updates:

Facebook: /Through-The-Wilderness-1624608087568307

Twitter: @ttwilderness

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