'Heroes with grimy faces' premiere at Chester Cathedral
Chester Cathedral will be travelling through the ages with an inspirational performance involving school children across Cheshire.
The public is invited to attend and bring family and friends along to see the show at 7.30pm on Tuesday 25 November.
Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, The Philip Barker Trust and Manchester Camerata have once again joined forces to create the piece entitled ‘Heroes with grimy faces,’ telling the story of the evolution of the firefighter and their duty to society, while exploring key fire safety messages.
The cathedral will be the powerful backdrop to the narrative, which will use the cause and consequence of fire incidents over the decades to highlight fire safety issues. The project will also link to the WW1 commemorations by touching on the role of women in the service.
Staff from the Service, including the Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service Choir will be part of the enactment, alongside 150 primary school children from five schools across the county.
Deputy Chief Fire Officer, Mark Cashin said: “This event is all about education, which is vital in helping us to reach our aim of achieving a Cheshire where there are no deaths caused by fire. Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service has a proud tradition of working with and inspiring young people and this project is great example of the unique ways we do this.
“It was a real privilege to work in partnership with the Manchester Camerata and the Philip Barker Trust again to create what I know will be another spectacular performance and a truly special event. It is through projects such as this that we have been able to promote safety in an innovative way, and by doing so have a positive impact on the lives of young people and their families.”
Five schools from across Cheshire and Cheshire Fire & Rescue Service firefighters have worked alongside a Camerata composer, dramatist and members of the orchestra during four days of rehearsals to create the new piece of musical theatre for performance on 25th November 2014.
The show will use music, drama and multi-media to bring the story to life, and there will also be fire engines and living history firefighters acting as stewards, bringing the space to life before and after the performance.
Sir Edmund Burton, of the Philip Barker Charity said: “On behalf of the Philip Barker Trustees I would like to congratulate Manchester Camerata, Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, the University of Chester and the schools for their commitment to this inspiring partnership - and Chester Cathedral for hosting the performance. These innovative projects encourage joint planning and a high degree of co-operation between all the partners. The creative and enthusiastic style of working from the Camerata team will provide a unique educational experience for the children. This performance will provide an inspiration for the young people and an enduring experience for their appreciative audience."
The five schools involved are St Bridget’s Primary School Warrington, Culcheth Primary School, Culcheth, Woodlands Primary School, Ellesmere Port, Halton Lodge Primary School, Runcorn and Parkroyal Primary School, Macclesfield.
Video
Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, Manchester Camerata and the Philip Barker Charity held a truly unique performance of 'Tinderbox' at Chester Cathedral on the 21st November 2013
Tinderbox (opens in new window)
Date published: Wed, 26 Nov 2014 09:44:48 GMT
Last updated: Wednesday 26 November 2014