Before the cast and choir of the British Pageant take to the stage in August for two weeks of performances, hundreds of behind-the-scenes volunteers have plenty of work to do to bring the production together. Volunteers from around the country have gathered to produce a production chronicling the early days of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the British Isles.
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 with some expansions and improvements.
Mike Palmer, the Mormon volunteer designing the production, says, “There are a lot of differences this time around. The production itself is more complex. We have a more ambitious production process which means there are larger amounts of individual elements we need to deal with.”
With more resources and more volunteers than four years ago, many upgrades were made possible. Set elements – such as a replica of the Preston monument, a bridge and a gantry allowing the choir to surround the stage and audience – will be produced in London and moved to Lancashire for the August production.
These upgrades in production design will enhance the performance by allowing more than 300 choir and cast members to join in song and dance on stage. The Mormon pageant is a unique production driven by volunteers that are excited to share their talents.
“It’s got something that nothing else has. It has everyone on stage giving everything they have to give you the best experience you can possibly have from coming to that show,” says Jacob Beasley, a performer in the core cast.
Construction of the temporary theatre where the Pageant will be held begins this week on the grounds of the Preston Temple in Chorley, Lancashire. 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.