Sinfonia: Stories of Harrogate- The company on the stage of Harrogate Theatre. 

I have recently returned to work with The Performance Ensemble (TPE)  in a full time capacity as Resident Producer. After taking a break from working with TPE to finish my University Studies, I am really enjoying getting stuck back into it. I have headed straight into rehearsals for Sinfonia: Stories of Harrogate. 

For the past two weeks we have been working at the West Park Centre, with a cast of twelve local older people from Harrogate and our core ensemble of seven performers. The piece is developing beautifully. 

Twelve older local people decided to take part in the project, many had met members of the TPE team who previously visited. Some participants came into rehearsals unsure what they were going to be doing, but we began gently, drinking tea, sharing stories and learning gentle movement sequences. Gradually they began to understand what Sinfonia is and we began to shape their stories and dance into a show. The company fully immersed themselves into the process and learnt quickly and as we shaped more of the piece their confidence grew and the show continued to evolve. In just two weeks we have co-created the whole show, there has been laughter, friendships, confusion, understanding, tears, excitement, and joy, which I hope audiences will share while watching the performance. 

Each bringing something unique, they have all been so open and giving, some sharing deeply impactful stories, others small, throwaway moments. 

Valerie explains that although her roots are strongly in Harrogate and Masham she has spent her life living and working around the world, including in Hong Kong. Fiona talks about her experiences of misogyny, telling impactful stories about her experiences as an older single woman. 

Margaret tells stories of her love for her karate club and Jan her film club, while Pat describes her anger at the political state of the world. Jo shares the deeply moving story of caring for her parents who suffered with Alzheimer’s and Janet tells a funny story, where she begins by thinking about potatoes and ends by singing her old school song! 

Together with music and dance these stories create a deeply moving piece of theatre, full of humour, tenderness, anger, joy and life. 

When asked to reflect upon their experiences, Harrogate resident, Janet, wrote: 

“Imagine working with professional artists and literally creating a performance in 4 weeks! Local folk telling their stories cements the show, interspersed with dance and music. It is an emotional rollercoaster. So many connections. Made so many friends . Truly magical and never thought I could be part of something ‘so beautiful‘ as our Director Alan Lyddiard  would say. In summary, ‘life changing, fun, demanding, heartfelt, and hopefully well received. ‘Not to be missed’. Will remain with me forever. Thank you The Performance Ensemble.”

Fiona S also shared: 

“Being involved with PE has been a massive privilege and a gas. The staff are professional, supportive and fun, my fellow”oldies” interesting and a laugh. New friendships are forged. I joined because I wanted to do something out of my comfort zone & I’ve always loved dance. It’s stimulating and inspiring. Everyone has a story to tell and here we have that voice. We are all pushing our personal boundaries, whether we have 2 left feet or a fear of public speaking. I’ve loved every minute.”

And Carmel said: 

“For me this experience has been something I would normally shy away from but it has been great fun. The support from all the crew and the group is really positive. The music and the dance sessions are gentle and relaxing. The stories are funny, sad and thought provoking all at the same time. I’m loving it!!!” 

Fiona E shared: 

“Thank you for your support everyone, it so helps the learning process,  especially when all of this experience is a ‘first’!  The stories are fascinating, not gossip or hearsay but lived occurrences, with consequences and wisdom. World politics is important and vast, open to interpretation, national changes, yet seems so distant unless you live somewhere war torn. It’s the small things that shape us, from acquaintances who have become friends. I so appreciate this opportunity to learn, share and participate.  Thank you!”

Christine shared: 

“Being part of this production has been exciting, enjoyable, exhausting and lots of fun. Like carefully crafted tiles of a mosaic we have come together in a creative structure of storytelling, dance and music, curated by kindness, laughter and professionalism. A unique and unexpected experience that will stay with me forever and has enabled friendships and lives to touch at a time of life when the opposite can so often be the case. Rehearsals have required focus and commitment and each time the mosaic has been perfected beautifully.”

To purchase your tickets, please follow the link below: https://www.harrogatetheatre.co.uk/events/sinfonia-stories-from-harrogate/

Izzy Massie