Choral theatre production seeks community singers

A new 'choral theatre production' taking place at Liverpool Cathedral is looking for local singing groups to take part. Through The Wilderness, by John Browne and Jen Heyes, will take place there on May 16 and 17, and auditions are coming up. A pilot piece by Heyes's Cut to the Chase Productions, it tells the story of a man who leaves his home, his family and all that’s familiar to him. He wanders out into the wilderness in search of something he can’t name, something authentic, something true...They say: "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 21st 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."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.  Choirs interested in joining up can 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”.If you are part of a choir who woul like to get involved, rehearsals take place on Saturday and Sunday May 6 and 7 (2pm to 6pm), Saturday May 13 (11am to 6pm) and Monday 15 May (6pm – 10pm).Through the Wilderness is a pilot performance. For audience members, tickets are free but places are limited and must be reserved in advance by registering on EventBrite. The production is in association with Liverpool Cathedral Youth Choir, Tom Harrison House, Genie in the Gutter, Liverpool Iranian community, The Brink, and Blue Room Dance.