Members of the core cast of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ British pageant gathered with directors and choreographers in Chorley recently to begin rehearsals for their late summer performances.
“The rehearsals for the British Pageant differ quite a lot from a lot of secular performances that I’ve done. Very often the director will have a very strict idea of what needs to happen. But here there’s a lot more freedom to let the scene be what it needs to be according to the needs of who’s watching and who’s performing. Which is challenging but very rewarding,” says core cast member Robin Dick.
The British Pageant, a musical experience that tells the history of the Mormon faith in Great Britain and Ireland, was first produced in 2013 and returns to the United Kingdom this summer after months of preparation and rehearsals.
The open casting calls for the British Pageant started around the United Kingdom in February. So many performers auditioned for parts in the core cast that call back auditions were held in March.
The cast is made up of hundreds of Mormon volunteers of all different ages and experience levels. As these performers come together to rehearse, they feel the importance of their roles.
“It’s about a message, a message that has the potential to touch people’s lives and to change people’s lives for the better. To use our talents to be instruments is a unique and very special opportunity,” explains Robin.
The British Pageant will be performed 1-5 and 8-12 August 2017 and is free to the public. Visit ldsbritishpageant.co.uk for more details.