Les Misérables

HMP ERLESTOKE 2012

Les Misérables

a r b a é r é s s i i M es LM Music by Claude-Michel Schönberg Lyrics by Herbert Kretzmer Original French text by Alain Boublil & Jean-Mark Natel Additional material by James Fenton Orchestrations by John Cameron Original London productions directed and adapted by Trevor Nunn & John Caird Original London production by Cameron Mackintosh and The Royal Shakespeare Company

The prisoners & staff of HMP Erlestoke and Pimlico Opera present

hönberg and Claude-Michel Sc lil ub Bo n lai A by l A musica Victor Hugo Based on the novel by Victor Hugo's story tells of the courage and moral fibre of prisoner Jean Valjean who is released after 19 years on a chain gang.

Intent on making the world a better place, he rises, against all odds, to become mayor. At the outbreak of revolution his sympathies lie with the student protestors whom he joins at the barricades to confront his old enemy, Javert.

s e l b able s Fri 2 March – Sun 11 March 2012 –––––––––––––––––––––––

DONORS TO THE PROJECT ICAP Charity Day

This project costs around ÂŁ190,000 and is funded entirely by generous individuals and charitable trusts.

It is not funded by the government

Capital International Limited The Ingram Trust Edenbeg Charitable Trust

House of Lords

John Coates Charitable Trust

Tom & Sarah Floyd David & Amanda Leathers Stephen & Joanna Barlow Lord & Lady Phillimore The Tansy Trust

Anonymous The Monument Trust The Mackintosh Foundation Matthews Wrightson Charity Trust The Dyers' Company

Governors Judges

Home Secretaries Anonymous The Hon Elizabeth Allsopp Mr & Mrs Jeremy Farr Anonymous Charles Hayward Foundation Mr & Mrs Robin Herbert Mr & Mrs Will Hillary An Escaped Prisoner Anonymous Brian & Claudine Muirhead Georgia Oetker Donald & Rachael Stearns

Sir Gerald & Lady Acher Bruno & Christiane Boesch The Hon Sir Christopher Clarke Adam Constable QC J & D Goldie-Scot Cecilia Gordon Mr & Mrs Morgan Krone Mr & Mrs Francis Lang Sir Bruce & Lady MacPhail Alison Miller Nicholson Family David & Hattie Pigot Simon & Virginia Robertson Nigel & Viv Robson Sir James & Lady Spooner Fiona Squire The Band Trust Anonymous Operaluna

Philippa Abell Kate Bingham & Jesse Norman Mr & Mrs Graham Bourne Consuelo & Anthony Brooke Peter & Jane Cazalet Julian & Jenny Cazalet Margaret Wolf Anonymous Stuart Erringston CBE DL Barry & Gay Fearn Peter Gerrard Roger & Clare Gifford Alan & Karen Grieve Anonymous Robert Hiscox John & Jackie Holmes Richard & Pamela Jacobs Raymonde Jay Shirley Jeffrey Neil & Elizabeth Johnson Lucy Jones Dr Valerie Jones Andrew & Caroline Joy Timothy Nathan & Nina Kaye Anthony Lester William & Felicity Mather Ian & Caroline McAlpine The Melville Charitable Trust Anonymous

Anonymous Jane Rigler & Ken Ollerton J R Parker Sally Payton Cedric Pierce Ros & Ken Rokison Mr & Mrs Andrew Rose Anne Rourke Lord & Lady Sharman Anonymous Andrew Simon Amanda & Richard Slowe Martin Thomas John & Carol Wates Anonymous Alison Wintgens Asia-Sophia Wolf

Jailbirds Carol & Alistair Gavin The Goodwin Family Catherine Hadshar John & Jane Harrap Mr & Mrs G T Harrap Ian Hay Davison H R Haydon Jenny Helfrecht Paul & Kay Henderson Billy & Heather Howard Mr & Mrs Nick Humble Glynis Hunt David & Wendy Hunter Alexandra Jackson Kay & Philip Kay Heather Joshi OBE Lord & Lady Judd Tim & Ginny Kempster Andrew Kennedy Mr & Mrs J Kiernan Mr & Mrs Andrew Lax Hilary & James Leek Rethinking Recycling M Maguire Ms Anna Marsden OBE Christopher McLaren Mr & Mrs Roger Moncur David & Angela Moss

Rosaleen Mulji Sara Nathan Dame Elizabeth Neville Pamela & Bruce Noble Dr Cecily O'Neill Adrienne Page Nicky & James Pain Keith Palmer, Director of The Comedy School John & Jacqui Pearson Edward & Sarah Peppiatt Phillips Development Ltd Mr & Mrs Charles Pinney Gill & Clive Purkiss Anonymous Marian Gilbart Read Mr & Mrs James Roberts Kristina Rogge Mr & Mrs Ian Ronald Ruth & Daniel Rosenfelder Joan Rudd Mr G Sandars Katherine Sellon Mrs Susan Sinnott Donald Smith

Joe & Lucy Smouha Dame Rosemary Spencer Judith St Quinton J G Stanford Mrs Gillian Thrower Paul & Wendy Tobia Clive & Tessa Tulloch Mrs H R Tupper Lady Walker Mr Patrick Walker Tessa Watkins Christian Wells Peter West Susan Whittle Thomas Wolf Shan-Conrad Wolf Tian-Benjamin Wolf Tom & Elaine Yeo Richard Youell

plus 23 Jailbirds who are anonymous

Brian Abbs Abu Khamis Dr Caroline Ardron Sir David Bean Timothy & Christina Benn Halldora Blair Jane Blunden Margaret Bolam Mrs Julian Bolland Sue Bradbury Bill & Anna Brewer Peregrine Bryant Anthony Bunker Richard Butler Adams Rex Chester Sue Clark D R Clarke Lady Clarke Jackie & Roy Colbran Ann Currie Mr & Mrs E Davidson Douglas & Pru de Lavison Krystyna Deuss Christine Douse Philippa Drew Alun & Bridget Evans Mr & Mrs FitzWilliam-Lay Tim & Rosie Forbes Andrea Frears Phillip Freeman Mr & Mrs Anthony Fuller

What's the point?

To inspire those who take part to look at themselves, their lives and their futures in different ways.

Prisoners work with others - their peers and a small team of professionals - on a project aimed at the greater common good. They produce a piece of theatre of which they can be justifiably proud, increasing their selfknowledge, confidence and opening up new ways of thinking.

Everyone involved discovers things about themselves and their abilities to take with them on release. Pimlico Opera helps a number of ex-prisoners find work in theatre or by giving guidance with training programmes. To this end, the project is seeking an educational accreditation.

And the audience, too, takes something away with them.

Many coming to see these performances have never been near, let alone inside, a prison. Prisons cost society a vast amount. And not just in money.

As audience experiences go, the performance is pretty unique and a rare moment to focus on the purpose of imprisonment.

Your donation or the cost of your ticket potentially changes lives.

The project also raised more than ÂŁ2,000 for the Wiltshire Community Foundation

es MisĂŠ

Les

A musical by Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel SchĂśnberg Based on the novel by Victor Hugo

érables Michael Moody DIRECTOR Toby Purser CONDUCTOR

Philip Engleheart SET DESIGNER

Ilona Karas COSTUME DESIGNER Victoria Ward MOVEMENT DIRECTOR Warren Letton LIGHTING DESIGNER

Nicolas Dwyer º Javert Anthony Flaum º Jean Valjean Rachel Olivant º Eponine Jennifer Meldrum º Fantine Dave Huggins º Marius Caryl Hughes º Cosette Charlie Szylko º Thenardier Victoria Ward º his Mrs Tony Ager Gavin Bennett Steve Blumberg Martin Buckland Gavin Collins Neil Cowley Andrew Curbishley Levi Dunn

James Griffins Garry McGovern Alys Metcalf Emilia Pountney Sachmo Quain Kurtis Ranklin Rob Russell Emma Sewell Sue Spedding Sonny Welsh Steve

s Misérables John Del Nero SOUND DESIGNER

Andy Rogers º no1 Governor Kev Bird º Senior Officer/Project Manager Steve Perrett º Estates Department Matt Vanstone º Prison Officer/PT instructor Chris Emmett º Learning & Skills co-ordinator HMP ERLESTOKE

2

Bernard Davies º Production Manager Mark Lacey º Orchestra Manager Jeremy Cooke º Repetiteur Ian Taylor º Stage Manager Ellie Williams º Deputy Stage Manager Samantha Woollard º Asst Stage Manager Fiammetta Horvat º Wardrobe Supervisor Nerea Villares º Wardrobe Mistress Kate Jaeger º Costume Maker Liz Harkin º Dresser Helen Berry º Wigs & make-up Wesley Hiscock º Chief Electrician Adam Sansom º Deputy Electrician Andrew Grant º Lighting Programmer THANKS TO Jane Milligan º Sound Engineer All Erlestoke staff who helped with the James Pitkin º Technician Frank Smith º Video documentary cours Richard Loader º Technician Set builders º Visual Scene John Sherrard º Technician Seating º Arena Declan Costello º Technician Davy Ogilvy º Dimensions (sound equip Matt Vanstone º Stage Crew Joanna Lumley Alan Moloney º Stage Crew Gavin Collins º Stage Crew Glen Rogers º Installation Artist

24 60 1 Violin º Megan Pound Cello º Natalie Rozario Bass º Liz Bradley Reeds º Sarah Devonald, Mark Lacey Trumpets º Laura Garwin Trombones º Andrew Cole/Natalie Witts Horn º Lindsay Kempley/Steve Nicholls Percussion º Mark Taylor Keyboards º Jeremy Cooke, Lindsay Bridgewater, Daniel Dibdin THE BAND

project se leader

pment)

Helen Sennett Scott Cooper Wasfi Kani OBE Charlotte March Rachel Pearson Annabel Ross Claire Routh Caroline Sheahan Rebecca Thomas Jan Tuffield PIMLICO OPERA

Erlestoke Manor House · and prison The ownership of the manor in the Middle Ages passed through several Norman families: the de Mandevilles, the Fitz Herberts and the Montagues, Earls of Salisbury among them.

the Watson-Taylors lasted just a century, during which time they built up an extensive landed estate stretching from Edington to Urchfont. In 1830 the Duchess of Kent and her daughter, the future Queen Victoria, were lavishly entertained at Erlestoke and in the following year lavish festivities marked the coming of age of Simon Watson-Taylor, eldest son of George and Anna Susanna.

es Misé None of the Lords of the Manor is known to have lived at Erlestoke until the early 16th century, when the Brouncker family became Lords. Their ownership lasted until 1720 when the daughters of Dauntsey Brouncker, the last male member of the family, sold it to George Heathcote. He in turn sold it to Peter Delme in 1737; another Peter Delme sold the manor of Erlestoke to John Smith in 1780. Around 1782 the old manor house was demolished and a grand new one designed by an eminent architect, George Steuart. Smith’s son Joshua died in 1819, and his daughters sold it to the executors of a West Indian plantation owner, Simon Taylor.

His nephew and heir, Sir Simon Brissett Taylor, died a young man in 1815 and the fortune passed to his only sister, Anna Susanna, wife of George Watson, who added the name Taylor to his own. The ownership of

In 1832, however, the family faced financial difficulties, and the contents of the house were sold by auction in a sale lasting twenty-one days, the printed catalogue running to 200 pages. The Watson-Taylors moved away, and in 1837 the house and park were let to John Cam Hobhouse, later Lord Broughton. In 1844, however, Simon Watson-Taylor returned and lived in Erlestoke until 1902. The estate was finally broken up early in the 20th century.

The house and park fell into the hands of FH & FW Green & Sons, timber merchants of Chesterfield, and the house passed to the Revd J W Potter when it was

used as a spiritualist centre and hotel. He attempted more than one questionable financial scheme involving the place, leading in one instance to exposure in the magazine John Bull.

Êrables During and subsequent to the Second World War, the house was used as a Senior Army Officers’ training school.

In 1950 the main part of the house was destroyed by fire. After a period of disuse the Home Office acquired the remaining parts of the house in 1960 and with the outbuildings opened a Detention Centre, this in turn changed to a Youth Custody Centre and more recently to a full prison for adult males.

The prison has over the past few years expanded in both prisoner numbers and intervention programmes aimed to reduce the re-offending of prisoners. It is the only prison in Wiltshire and the establishment’s focus is firmly fixed on preparing prisoners for their release through accredited intervention programmes, skill and vocational based training and education as well as providing pro-social modelling through a progressive regime.

Support the n ext proj ect 1st - 10th March 2013 (prison unknown)

For 22 years, Pimlico Opera has been working in prison Around 50,000 public have been taken into prison The project this year is costing ÂŁ187,000 and it is funded without any government subsidy 37% was raised by personal subscription 20% from the sale of tickets 26% from trusts and foundations and a large gift from the ICAP Charity Day

For information about Pimlico Opera’s 22 year sentence www.grangeparkopera.co.uk

Plea se sup por t the nex t pro ject

CATEGORIES OF SUPPORT House of Lords £2,200 Home Secretary £1,100 Judge £550

Please send a personal cheque or CAF cheque payable Pimlico Opera to Pimlico Opera, 24 Broad Street, Alresford SO24 9AQ

Governor £275 Jailbird £125

Name PROGRAMME CREDIT Email Address

Date

GIFT AID DECLARATION FOR PIMLICO OPERA (charity no 1003836) PLEASE RECLAIM TAX ON DONATIONS I HAVE MADE SINCE 6 APRIL 2000 AND ALL DONATIONS I MAKE HEREAFTER UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. The April 2000 Gift Aid regulations are financially advantageous to charities without costing you more. All donations are eligible if you pay an amount of income tax or capital gains tax equal to the tax we may reclaim on your donations. We will assume that your donations are eligible for Gift Aid unless you strike out this section

B iographies

Toby Purser Conductor This is Toby’s fifth production in prison with Pimlico Opera. For Grange Park Opera he conducted Rigoletto at the main festival and with the Rising Stars at Nevill Holt, Madama Butterfly. He is Artistic Director of the Orion Orchestra, performing regularly at the Royal Festival Hall and Cadogan Hall. He is Principal Guest Conductor of London International Orchestra, Kammerphilharmonie Graz, and his guest conducting has included l’Ensemble Orchestral de Paris, Orpheus Sinfonia, BBC Philharmonic, Orchestra of Opera North, St. Petersburg Festival Orchestra, and Sinfonia Viva.

Philip Engleheart Set Designer Recent work includes The Full Monty for Pangdemonium, Singapore, nominated for Best Design; Cabaret (Wilton’s Music Hall); Much Ado About Nothing (Shakespeare Festival Neuss, Germany); and Daisy Pulls It Off (Lyric Hammersmith). Other work includes Guys and Dolls, Can Can, Kiss Me Kate and On The Town (LAMDA); The Desire Tree - an Anglo-Georgian production made in Tbilisi; Brecht’s A Respectable Wedding (Edinburgh Fringe and Komedia, Brighton); Betrayal and Art for the SRT, Rhinoceros (Riverside Studios) and Gogol’s The Nose (Old Red Lion).

Ilona Karas Costume Designer Design work includes theatrical and physical based performances Until Now and The Bridge (Mimbre), The Wheel House and Dust (Acrojou Circus); Sarajevo Story (Lightworks), Summerfolk (Central School of Speech & Drama), True or Falsetto (Allegro non Troppo) and codesigned Eugene Onegin (English Touring Opera). As a costume supervisor she has worked on Coram Boy (Bristol Old Vic), Beast & Beauties (Hampstead Theatre), Albert Herring (Aldeburgh Music Hall), Opera Shots (Royal Opera House); Sugar (Pimlico Opera), Rake’s Progress (Royal College of Music), Falstaff (English Touring Opera); Kreutzer Sonata (Gate Theatre).

Victoria Ward Movement director /Madame Thenardier Credits include the national tours of Blood Brothers and The Three Musketeers, Atlanta Jason & the Argonauts, Molly John Wesley, Frau Schmidt Sound of Music (Kuala Lumpur). She played Polly Peachum Beggar’s Opera (ENO), Helen Wonderful Town and Dinah South Pacific (Grange Park Opera). Victoria toured Australia and North America with Carl Rosa as Cousin Hebe HMS Pinafore and Pitti-Sing Mikado. In their West End season she was Leila Iolanthe and Isabel Pirates of Penzance. She played title role in Sugar with Pimlico Opera in HMP Send.

Warren Letton Lighting Designer Original lighting designs include Tosca (Nevill Holt), Orpheus (Ballet Black), Exposure, Gentle Giant and Summer Collections (ROH2), Broadway, Burlesque, Noitamina and Legends (Orchard Theatre), Antigone (RBC Studio), Phantasy (Rambert), Heart of Darkness (OperaGenesis/ROH2), In Good Company (ROH2, BRB/Australian Ballet/National Ballet of Canada), Studio Nights (ENO) and Noughts & Crosses (RSC). He has relit numerous Royal Opera House tours including Soldiers Tale, Pinocchio and Wind in the Willows. Upcoming productions include Exposures (ROH), Magic Flute (Longborough Opera), Lady of the Lake (Scottish Opera), Clemency (Scottish Opera - relight) Carousel (Opera North and Barbican - Associate LD and relight) and Les Troyens (ROH - Associate) John Del Nero Sound Designer John started his career with Theatre Projects working on shows Jesus Christ Superstar and Billy Liar. He designed the sound for the original Rocky Horror Show before joining the Royal Court. Over the years he has worked on many high profile events including Edinburgh Tattoo and public celebrations for the Royal Family and royal families of Jordan & Saudi Arabia. For Imagination he has worked for all their major clients including Ford, BT, Coca Cola, Holiday Inn. 2011 projects include Hilary Westlake’s Dining with Alice Produced

by Atichoke and Crown of Light at Durham Cathedral

Tony Ager Pimp/Feuilly/Brujon I am 30 and live in Cambridge when not otherwise engaged.

I’ve been studying chemistry for a few years now and also have a keen interest in aviation. I plan to take my pilots licence in the near future. I love dancing and I can’t stop moving.

Gavin Bennett Constable/Joly I’m 32 and from South London, I have a 7 year old son who is my shining star. I’ve done a bit of acting before but nothing in this level. I found the singing the hardest thing to do as I cannot sing to save my life. Since doing the play Les Mis, I’ve found I have gained more confidence in all aspects of my life, which I find helpful. I like football and making my own music, both the lyrics and the beats. I hope Les Mis will give me more inspiration to achieve my dreams.

Steve Blumberg Foreman/Fauchelevant/Claquesous Although this is my first play, I have done a Shakespearian & GCSE play Romeo & Juliet but it wasn’t a singing or dancing version, more a storytelling play. I never thought I’d ever volunteer for something this major but I hope to do well and might even carry on in the future.

Martin Buckland Convict /Beggar/Batmabois/Judge/Grantaire I am 40 and come from Swindon area. I have been married for 10 years and have 2 daughters age 8 & 9. Vocationally I have

been an accountant for 18 years whilst fulfilling various other business orientated roles. My hobbies include Golf, Online Gaming and playing piano but despite this musical interest have never publically sung. I always enjoy new challenges which this performance will no doubt offer.

Gavin Collins Guitarist at ABC cafe Born in Merthyr Tydfil. Studied Classical Guitar in HMP Cardiff, achieving Grade 5. Have since won Koestler Awards for solo and band performance, and had the privilege of recording albums with Music in Prison (Irene Taylor Trust) and Changing Tunes. Pimlico has now granted me the opportunity to perform with a 12 piece orchestra, male and female professional vocalists and a bunch of great amateurs!

Awesome …and many thanks.

Neil Cowley Convict/Sailor/Leon I’m from Gloucestershire, I’ve been in the building trade for 19 years and in prison for quite a long time and I’ve missed out on a lot. I’ve always been interested in singing and acting/ dancing but not had the confidence so I’m taking part in this one because it is bringing me out of my shell. I am really enjoying it. Now I feel a different person and very normal.

Andrew Curbishley Convict/Foreman/Sailor/Combeferre I was born in 1979 in Crewe, Cheshire. I am serving an IPP sentence (Life) because the courts think I am a danger to the public. For the past 6 and a half years I have been in prison. I like sports and reading books and meeting interesting people, which is why I am doing this project today.

Levi Dunn Roadworker/Babet I’m 30 years old and was born in the West Midlands. I’ve spent most of my life working in security and door work, some of which has been abroad. I decided to get involved because I would like to take my life in a new direction. I first got an insight into theatre production at the age of 14 when I saw Joseph. So far I’m enjoying myself. I’ve met new people and realised I enjoy singing! It’s good for me to step away from the old me and try new things and be open to opportunities that may present themselves in the future.

Nicolas Dwyer Javert Putting this show together with the inmates at Erlestoke has been an inspiration. The forming of such a strong bond with the group was inevitable - what surprises me is how much I have learned. I performed at Grange Park Opera as the Jailer in Tosca, the Herald in Rigoletto and as Ridicule in Love of

Three Oranges. Roles include Guglielmo Cosi (Situation Opera), Marcello Bohème (OperaUpClose, Olivier Award) and Alidoro Cenerentola. This year I return to Grange Park to understudy the title role in Eugene Onegin at Nevill Holt before resuming studies at Guildhall School of Music & Drama.

16 years old. I’m a bit of a cheeky chap but never ever thought I would be playing such a major character in an opera. People from Peckham don’t do this but I love it.

Caryl Hughes Cosette Caryl grew up on the Llyn Peninsula in North Wales and graduated from the Royal Academy of Music. Roles include Cenerentola and Varvara (Scottish Opera), Orlovsky (Welsh National Opera), Flora The Enchanted Pig (Young Vic), Rita Fantastic Mr Fox (English Touring Opera) and First Nymph Rusalka (Grange Park Opera). In concert, she has sung with Bryn Terfel and Sir Thomas Allen. This summer, she will return to Grange Park/Nevill Holt to sing Olga Eugene Onegin.

24 60 1

Anthony Flaum Jean Valjean Anthony trained at Royal Academy of Music and National Opera Studio. He was in many West End musicals including Come Dancing with Ray Davies before deciding to focus on opera. He sang in the chorus at Glyndebourne and covered Nemorino Elixir of Love (English National Opera). Roles include Rodolfo Bohème (OperaUpClose, Olivier Award), Ottavio Giovanni (Opera Up Close), Prisoner Zaide (Classical Opera), Paris Belle Helene (Suffolk Opera), Orestes Troy Boy & Alfredo Traviata (Merry Opera). Plans include Lensky Eugene Onegin (Grange Park Opera Rising Stars at Nevill Holt).

James Griffins Convict/Beggar/Montparnasse Age 25: I have always been into acting ever since my first part in a small play at Cubs. Since then I have appeared in a number of productions from local Scout huts to a 4 week run of a play called A Load of Rubbish at the Playhouse in Weston Super Mare.

Dave Huggins Marius I was born in Peckham in 1981. I have been away since I was

Garry McGovern Convict/Enjolras From Glasgow, in the care system, I moved to Harrow with my wife. I’ve been in prison a long time and have become a grandad. I have been a hod carrier on the outside and in prison I try to help people kick bad habits which I’ve managed to do myself. I like making things (out of matchsticks etc) and I’m a gardener and chef so I am always busy. I was asked to take part in this Opera and thought I was not confident enough but with all the help from the professionals who also make me feel so welcome I am committed and want to get better and the show to be a success.

Thanks to the whole team.

Elixir of Love (Grange Park Opera) Footloose (National Tour), Beyond the Barricade (National Tour), Les Misérables (Palace Theatre), Cats (New London Theatre), McGregor (Bridewell), Chess, Into The Woods, Gypsy, Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, Company (MAD Theatre).

Steve Constable 35 Born in Northern Ireland moved to Weymouth when a baby. I have worked on the fairground since aged 12. I met Pimlico Opera in Winchester Prison. This has gaven me the opportunity to mix with people from outside.

Al “Mad for It” Molony Crew Former Show Co-ordinator/Stage Manager and general dogs’ body (no job too small) for the Blackpool Roadshow and Power House Promotions. Mum, Dad, my brother Tom, for Deane daughter Lititia - this one’s for you. Michael, Ian, Elli, Sam, Helen, Victoria and the girls, Nick, Andy, John, Hame, Phil, Bernie Big Boy, Kev, Crew, my good friends - stage tech James and Johnny thanks loads! “On angels’ wings we fly” Love ya loads Al. 10 out of 10 to Governor Mr Rogers.

Jennifer Meldrum Fantine Born in Lanark, Scotland, Jennifer trained at Mountview.

Theatre credits include: Sweeney Todd, Chicago, Guys&Dolls, (Pimlico Opera) Iolanthe, La Boheme, Le Roi malgre lui, The

Alys Metcalf Chorus Alys trained at the Guildford School of Acting. Theatre credits include Hodel Fiddler On The Roof (Yvonne Arnaud), Baj Jungle Book The Musical (Scoop Theatre London), Gretel Hansel & Gretel the Opera (Two Moors Festival), Theresa Motion Capture (Lionhead Studios for Microsoft), Sam Beyond The Mountain Another Mountain (Arcola).

Rachel Olivant Eponine Rachel trained at the Guildford School of Acting. Theatre credits include Princess Jill in Jack & the Beanstalk, Princess Rose Sleeping Beauty (Upstage Productions) understudy and played Jane and Twinkle in Victoria Wood’s Dinnerladies UK tour (Classic Comedy Productions), Alice / dance captain in Dougal Irvine’s In Touch the musical (Perfect Pitch). TV/ film includes Dulcie Starr Serious Money, BBC’s Outnumbered (Hattrick Productions) and all the Harry Potter films (Warner Bros).

Emilia Pountney Chorus Emilia has been in the chorus at Grange Park Opera for the

last three years. She is delighted to have this opportunity to perform at HMP Erlestoke and is very impressed by the men’s talent and commitment.

Sachmo Quain Beggar/Student I’m from Balham, South London and I am 23 years old. Prior to me coming to prison I was a lifeguard part time. I also used to attend college where I did performing arts for 3 years. In those 3 years I learnt about many different types of acting and many different genres such as mime, improvisation, musical theatre, theatre in the round, masks and camera. I did a few performances of some adapted scripts and some scripts written by my classes and I. I have performed in a few theatres in South London and the Surrey area but nothing too big. I enjoy singing and was also taught a few breathing and vocal warm up techniques. I have not done any acting dancing or singing for an audience since 2008 because I’ve been in prison. So I would like to build my confidence back up and when I’m released I would like to return to doing performing arts preferably comedy in theatre. My hobbies are music, sports, poetry, writing things (creative writing) and watching DVDs. I do like going to watch shows or theatres but I’ve been in prison so I haven’t had a chance to. So I guess that’s a little bit about me. (I joined the show late).

Kurtis Ranklin Bishop/Captain/Student I am 3 years into an 11 year sentence. When I was younger I was always the class clown and had too much energy so my teachers used to send me to the drama class so I could get rid of some of that energy and I never realised how much I would like it but at the same time I couldn’t let go of football so I concentrated on my football. I played for Bristol City Youth team but my discipline wasn’t there ‘cos all I wanted to do was go out with my friends and it felt like I was missing out on something, so I was always missing training. When I turned 16 I was introduced to drugs, football went out the window and to this day it is my biggest regret, but money & lifestyle was too nice to give up and now I’m sitting in jail doing 11 years. When this production came up I jumped at the chance. I would like to thank all the cast for giving me this opportunity to express myself . . . so thank you all.

Andy Rogers The Governor Andy joined HM Prison Service in 1992 as a Prison Officer and has worked at all grades and in a range of establishments.

Governor of Erlestoke since June 2008, and in March 2011 also of HMP Shepton Mallet, he is a strong advocate of decency, positive regimes and resettlement programmes for offenders and staff development and engagement.

Rob Russell Convict/Beggar/Courfeyac/Army Officer Before my time in prison began I’d never been one for reading or writing due to the lack of encouragements and having no qualifications from school, in fact at school I was only interested in motorbikes and guitars. Here in HMP Erlestoke, I’m involved with changing tunes through the chapel and education programme, this involvement has served without doubt a catalyst in the prelude to my recovery from mental health condition and subsequent habit, which ultimately lead me to my first sentence at aged 33. Prior to my sentence I spent most my time drinking and smoking the profits which came from working various sectors of the engineering and architectonic steel construction industries. As a musician, I played in clubs, pubs & weddings as a drummer and vocalist.

When I heard about the project I immediately put my name down as I didn’t want to miss the opportunity.

Lotte Lenya Competition where she was awarded 2nd place.

Sue Spedding Chorus Born in Wiltshire, I lived in Singapore and Cyprus as a child, for which I feel very thankful: a wonderful experience of other lives and cultures. I have now been living in Wiltshire for the last 21 years and have an 18 year old son. I’ve been in the civil service since 1983, and working at Erlestoke for over 7 years.

Taking part in this production falls into the category of ‘try something new each year’, and so I gave it a go. An enjoyable & challenging opportunity that may never come again.

Charlie Szylko Thernardier I originally asked to be a stage hand, but then I got into it (very clever Michael) so I set myself this task as it’s out of my comfort zone. I’ve never seen or heard an Opera!!! But it’s all good. I just know it’ll be a good performance as I’ve become an Actor, so I can be a Diva now. Ha ha. I’m from Chiswick and I speak to Mum every day. I’m the prison barber and I’ve made memorabilia for the project so something is left behind.

I live in the dream. Live in the dream.

Les Mis Emma Sewell Chorus Since training at Trinity College of Music Emma has appeared in a national tour of Sound of Music, understudying the role of Maria, Snow White and understudied Cinderella / Rapunzel.

Into the Woods, understudy Opera Guild Lady in the musical Lend me a Tenor (Gielgud Theatre), Edith Pirates of Penzance, Peep Bo Mikado and Mad Margaret Ruddigore. In April 2011 Emma travelled to New York to take part in the final of the

Sonny Welsh Gavroche I’m aged 22 from Tottenham. I’m doing this project to interact with new people. It’s a new experience for me and it’s enjoyable.

HMP Erlestoke 路 more information Establishment HMP Erlestoke is a closed Category C prison which provides a secure environment for up to 494 convicted male adult prisoners. Sentences range from the very short to Life sentence. Over 50% of the population are serving Life Sentences. The prison provides a very positive regime offering work, education, training and personal development opportunities for the prisoners in their care.

Accommodation The prison currently has 9 residential units which are predominantly single cells with in cell sanitation. The induction unit has double cell accommodation to support prisoners on their first night and few weeks at HMP Erlestoke.

茅rables Regime The prison aims to provide an extensive range of opportunities to reduce the likelihood of re-offending and a return to custody. The establishment is intervention focused and runs programmes: Healthy Relationships Programme (moderate and high intensity), Cognitive Skills, Alcohol Related Violence, Drug treatment. In addition prisoners can gain qualifications at NVQ and City & Guilds level in the majority of work areas as well as formal qualifications through the Education department.

This year, offenders at HMP Erlestoke won 13 national Koestler Awards for art, crafts and pottery.

Staffing HMP Erlestoke & Shepton Mallet have around 400 directly employed staff. This includes a Senior Management Team of 20, 26 Senior Officers, 150 Prison Officers and 80 Operational Support Grades.

The remainder are a combination of administrative support, instructors, farm and garden and estates staff. There are also specialists such as Chaplains and partnership agencies which include Somerset & Avon Probation staff, Wiltshire Probation staff, Primary Care Trust staff and education staff.

G

12GE P3 OPE4 Adventurous operas with exceptional talent, an elegant theatre shimmering with Swarovski crystals in a beautiful Arcadian landscape An exquisite, memorable evening

www.grangeparkopera.co.uk

box office 01962 737366 Charity number 1068046

QUEEN OF SPADES S IDOMENEO 1 MADAMA BUTTERFLY C EUGENE ONEGIN 4 SIMON KEENLYSIDE