Hundreds of performers are limbering up to take part in the Stevenage Festival taking place over the coming month.
At the heart of this year’s line-up are two weeks of productions at the Gordon Craig Theatre starting on Saturday June 18.
Performances include Mendelssohn’s Elijah by the Stevenage Choral Society and Stevenage Symphony Orchestra, an Old Tyme Music Hall by The Lytton Players, No Sex Please We’re British by the Knebworth Players, and a high-energy musical called 13, put on by youth theatre group, Fusion.
The fortnight also includes a variety evening, showcasing local singers, musicians and dancers while primary and secondary schools, dance schools, music groups, choirs and youth theatre groups will also be performing, as will the Stagecoach Theatre School.
The festival ends with a rousing Last Night of the Proms at the theatre on Saturday July 2, complete with flags, balloons and audience participation.
A play entitled Ellen – Her Triumphant Women will be performed at 2pm and 5pm on Sunday, one of a number of fringe events around the town which run alongside the Gordon Craig programme.
Other events include painting exhibitions, poetry readings, Gilbert and Sullivan renditions and a wildlife photography show.
Festival chairman Ron Walker said: “We’ve put a cracking few weeks of entertainment together that literally has something for everyone and takes place right here on your doorstep. Stevenage has got lots of home-grown high quality talent and this is your opportunity to see it in action.”
You can see the full programme of events at www.stevenage-festival.co.uk
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