Children in Redbridge were celebrating on Sunday with the news that they were part of the winning nominees for Outstanding Achievement in Opera at the 2020 Olivier Awards for the production of Noye’s Fludde at the Theatre Royal Stratford East staged in July 2019. 

The production was made up of over 200 young people across Redbridge and Newham, with pupils from Churchfields Junior School (Redbridge) and Brampton Primary School (Newham), young musicians from Redbridge Music Service and Newham Music Service, as well as the Royal College of Music, Guildhall School of Music and Drama. Joining the ensemble were a team of professional performers, as well as dancers from Studio Wayne McGregor and the community groups: Stratford East Singers and ENO Community Choir.

Simon Roberts, Head of Redbridge Music Service, said:

“We are absolutely thrilled that after being part of such a worthwhile and rewarding project which required hours of preparation and additional work we receive an internationally recognised award. Stratford East and English National Opera where excellent partners to work with but the biggest recognition goes to the enthusiasm of the pupils and their families who supported the event. Vision RCL cannot begin to even contemplate taking on additional projects such as this without the backing and support of the London Borough of Redbridge and Arts Council England.”

Nadia Fall, Artistic Director of Theatre Royal Stratford East, said on the evening:

“I only wish the children could be here because this award is really to celebrate the children’s ensemble and so this one’s for them.”

Musical Director, Martin Fitzpatrick, continued by saying:

“All their talent was infectious, they lifted our hearts and they lifted the hearts of our audience. The future is theirs, we hope that they get to perform like this once more and children you were brilliant this award is for you, fantastic well done.”

More about the production can be found on youtube or via the video below.

Photo Credit: Stratford East/Marc Brenner