Noye’s Fludde is the first production from Sizewell Creative, a new community arts programme launched by Sizewell C in December 2023.
This summer, Suffolk residents and school children will share the stage with the Sizewell C team in a unique operatic performance that will put climate change under the spotlight.
Staged at Thorington Theatre, a new outdoor theatre nestled in Suffolk woodland, the production will bring together choirs, musicians, local villages and schools in East Suffolk with the Sizewell C construction team for a brand-new performance of Benjamin Britten’s Noye’s Fludde (Noah’s Flood) on Saturday, July 13.
The performance is produced by the award-winning Outdoor Places Unusual Spaces and conducted by Tim Brown, widely known as one of the best choral conductors in the world.
The programme provides free, accessible and sustainable arts events and initiatives for the community and local schools, and has forged partnerships with organisations and creatives from across the region to develop a programme that will leave a lasting artistic legacy in Suffolk.
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When it was first written and performed in 1958, Noye’s Fludde defined a new genre of community opera for the villages in and around Leiston.
“As a story that calls for us to come together in the face of impending climate crisis, Noye’s tale is as sharply relevant now than it has ever been,” says creative director Rosalind Parker. “There’s no getting away from the fact that we’re in our own moment of global crisis.
“The message of Noah’s Flood is clear: in the collective stronghold of the Ark, we see that it’s possible to weather what is overwhelming and celebrate the strength of community and sustainability.
“That’s exactly what this project is all about: showing what we can achieve when we bring communities together. And it’s about having a great time doing it.”
The performance will showcase sustainable approaches to set materials and production, with repurposed and regenerated materials appearing in a natural woodland setting. Thorington Theatre was constructed with the smallest carbon footprint possible, with its timber sourced through sensitive and sustainable coppicing of surrounding chestnut trees. The site itself is a bomb crater from World War II, which left a natural amphitheatre in the woods.
Preparation for Noye’s Fludde began in December with a Come and Sing event at Pro Corda at Leiston Abbey, where scores of attendees braved the cold for a singalong and to hear more about the opera.
Last week, a sell-out family craft event at Leiston Film Theatre saw families come together to help make a rainbow for the production from found materials, followed by a free screening of Wonka. And on Monday, February 26, Sizewell C workers had their first creative drop-in session, where they experimented with bamboo and other sustainable materials – components that will allow them to build the Ark live on stage.
“This is a great opportunity to showcase the arts in Suffolk,” says Rosalind. “And to raise the aspirations of young people looking for creative opportunities in this area.
“We’ve had some wonderful sessions so far, and there’s more to come. Our next Come and Sing event is on March 23, once again at the stunning setting of Pro Corda at Leiston Abbey. We’re inviting anyone who would like to come along, either for a fun singalong or to find out more about how they could get involved with the opera – whether that’s joining the onstage production or helping out off the stage.”
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There’s more to come from Sizewell Creative too. As well as further events and outreach taking sustainability and the arts into schools, the programme will be appointing new permanent positions for local artists, such as an artist in residence and a writer in residence.
“Were all excited about the impact this project will have in the area,” says Julia Pyke, joint managing director at Sizewell C. “We know Suffolk is an area rich in culture and art, and Sizewell Creative offers a great opportunity for all to participate in the arts here.”
To find out more about Sizewell Creative and to book on to the next free Come and Sing session, visit sizewellc.com/sizewell-creative
This article is part of the EADT's Clean & Green campaign, which aims to promote our region as the biggest in the UK and Europe for all forms of renewable energy.
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