Flooded!
Tickets are now available for our upcoming production of Flooded! – a theatre, opera and song extravaganza combining The Fools’ Flood by Neil Clayton, a new play about an historic flood in Bury St Edmunds, and Benjamin Britten’s family opera, Noye’s Fludde. Supported by Arts Council England and partnering St Edmundsbury Cathedral, 15 local schools, Britten Pears Arts, Suffolk Music Service, and multiple community groups, the production is the largest arts project undertaken by the Cathedral in recent times and will involve over 200 locals and professional creatives.
There will be three performances available, one on Friday 15 November at 6.00 pm and two on Saturday 16 November at 1.00 pm and 6.00 pm.
The Fools’ Flood, written by Neil Clayton, tells the real story of 13th Century Bury St Edmunds, when monks at the Abbey decided to dam the Tayfen Brook which flooded the marshes to the northeast of the town. Enraged by this, town citizens try to violently tear down the dam with some rather nasty consequences.
Noye’s Fludde is an operatic classic, written by Benjamin Britten and first performed in St Bartholomew’s Church, Orford in 1958, during the Aldeburgh Festival. Written especially for a mixed company of professional and community players, the piece tells the famous story of Noah’s Ark and the Great Flood sent by God to sweep the Earth.
As well as being full of beautiful music and fast paced action, Flooded! will allow us to reflect on our world today with the climate emergency and migration so often making headlines. With a set made almost entirely from recycled materials and with many costumes decorated by the children themselves, the production is a space for the community to come together, listen to, and create a wonderful evening of theatre and music together.
The Very Reverend Joe Hawes, Dean of St Edmundsbury, says, “We’re thrilled that come November, Flooded! will take over the Cathedral Nave for three amazing performances that will bring together young people from local schools, as well as Suffolk-based musicians. It promises to be an incredible show!”
Tickets are available here, from £5.00.
Creative Team
- Conductor: Claudia Grinnell
- Director: Anna Pool
- Set & Costume Design: Stewart J Charlesworth
- Lighting Design: Nicola Crawford
Cast
- Noye – George Robarts
- Mrs Noye – Mae Heydorn
