Live Theatre Has Made a Dramatic Return to Preston's Charter Theatre

Live Theatre Has Made a Dramatic Return to Preston's Charter Theatre

Jul, 5 2021


“There was a time when men were kind
When their voices were soft
And their words inviting
There was a time when love was blind
And the world was a song
And the song was exciting
There was a time 
Then it all went wrong.”
 
Les Misérables is a French historical novel by Victor Hugo, first published in 1862, that is considered one of the greatest novels of the 19th century. 
 
Examining the nature of law and grace, the novel elaborates upon the history of France, the architecture and urban design of Paris, politics, moral philosophy, antimonarchism, justice, religion, and the types and nature of romantic and familial love. Les Misérables has been popularized through numerous adaptations for film, television and the stage, including a musical. 
 
This was just one of the featured musical ensembles that was performed by an excellent cast last Tuesday evening as live theatre made it’s dramatic return to Preston’s Charter Theatre. 
 
Performing live for the first time since the pandemic hit, Preston based troupe Create Theatre showcased a tour de force of classic musical hits including :-
  • Wicked 
  • The Lion King
  • Billie Elliot
  • Hamilton
The response from the audience was fantastic especially with the energetic Jersey Boys number Beggin’ and Oh What a Night. 
 
The show came to a chaotic conclusion when local professional as well as Create Theatre Academy students performed the Queen number Bohemian Rhapsody from We Will Rock You.
 
Prest End was shown as part of the Preston Live Arts Festival (21-30th June 2021). This brand new arts festival has been developed to help support local talent and was awarded as grant of £841,647 from the DCMS Cultural Recovery Fund.
 
Preston City Council Councillor Peter Kelly, Cabinet Member for Culture and Arts expressed the positive impact this will have for the city, 
 
“As Preston comes out of lockdown we are committed to working towards putting out arts and cultural offering firmly back on the map, rebuilding our live performance programme and local audiences. We see the Preston Live Arts Festival as a key catalyst for the growth and development of the city whilst also providing our residents and visitors fun and engaging events and activities for the whole family to enjoy”.
 
The festival, produced by Selladoor Worldwide included:-
  • Family entertainment
  • Live Theatre
  • Dance
  • Music 
  • Contemporary art
  • Comedy
Hosted at a variety of venues across the city. 
 
^Alex Ashworth CCG Art Blogger