Claremont Community Play
The Claremont Community Play 2006 was described as "the most significant current community arts project in the South East". It was a community play in its truest sense, for all local residents were encouraged and welcome to become involved; no theatrical experience was necessary. Claremont has a rich and intriguing history of royal follies and financial ruin, but it's existence and relevance to the community is often overlooked. Hence this bold and innovative venture to capitalise on the treasure trove of Claremont stories from the early 18th Century to present day. The resulting play's original music, grand setting, elements of spectacle, and cast of 150 were sure to capture the imagination of all involved. "...Envisage yourself in the gorgeous Palladian setting of Claremont Landscape Gardens, taking part in a massive picnic, awaiting Act 1. The play begins and you are transported to a time, perhaps two hundred years ago, when Clive of India and Princess Charlotte roamed these grounds. During the interval, promenade en masse via the royal bowling alley while 'period entertainers' perform. Pause to admire the Belvedere, a gaming tower built in 1715, before moving into the newly refurbished Northern Terrace leading to the rear of the imposing Claremont Mansion. Here the second act will be performed under lights..." The play - The Princess, The Palace and The Ice Cold Bath - became a witty, entertaining and gripping event, presenting a great opportunity for families and friends to enjoy the best of the Claremont Estate gardens and fine buildings whilst being entertained by the fascinating stories and histories of this unique setting. The play whisked us through 300 years of Claremont history. Royalty, gardeners, architects, gentry, Hurricane jets, government ministers, local children and peculiar locals all grace the set as the story of a magical and little known past unfolded. Proceeds from the performance helped to support The Rainbow Trust, Princess Alice Hospice, Amnesty International and The National Trust. Loretta Howells, Director of the RC Sherriff Trust, and Councillor Kapadia, one of our Trustees, were members of the Steering Group helping to guide the project. The script was developed in a devising process throughout the autumn of 2005, attended by a core group of about 50 people (from a total pool of 70-80 local amateur performers), and delivered in January 2006, when the play was cast and rehearsals started in earnest. The cast eventually numbered about 150, from all parts of the borough and ranged in age from 11 to 70+. In addition, there were teams of volunteer helpers working on different aspects of the show e.g. costume and prop making, painting scenery, publicity, fundraising, stewarding etc. The final production took place, on two sites (the amphitheatre in Claremont Landscape Gardens, and the exterior of Claremont Fan Court School, Esher) in the first week of July. Despite a financial loss (which was carried by the school), the production was a great success, and a tremendous achievement by everyone involved. The actors, of all ages, have continued to meet regularly, participating in monthly drama workshops, with a view to working together on another project in the future. Click the links below to view two newsletters published to promote the play:
Newsletter 1 Newsletter 2