THE stage is set for a carnival of community capers to light up Okehampton in magic and song. The Okehampton community musical project, run by Wren Music and the Ockment Centre, is soon to reach its climax. The musical, Carnival Capers, will take place in the sports hall at Okehampton College from Thursday, April 24 to Saturday, April 26. Director of the musical Eileen Dillon is eagerly anticipating opening night. She said: 'It has been such a wonderful experience working in Okehampton and I am delighted with the way so many people have come together to take part on stage and off. 'We have had help and support from the Courtenay Players — especially from their secretary, Stanley Stormont, who, as well as playing the role of Sidney Simmons, has been invaluable in assisting with workshops and rehearsals. 'Okehampton has a fascinating history, full of interesting characters such as Billy Ezard, who rode with Buffalo Bill Cody in his Wild West Show before opening Okehampton's first cinema, and King Cosmo, from Tuscany, who visited the town in the early fifteenth century.' The musical is inspired by characters such as these and the history of Okehampton as well as Dartmoor myths and legends. Carnival Capers has been written by playwright Tim Laycock and features more than 150 actors, singers and musicians from Okehampton and the surrounding area, ranging from primary school children to people who retired many years ago. The project is unique because the participants have written all the songs and music themselves. They have been working with professional composer and songwriter, Paul Wilson, from Wren Music, since September last year. Paul said: 'I really cannot remember a project like this before for enthusiasm and creativity. People still come up now and ask if there are any more songs they can write.' The sports hall will be completely transformed for the musical, with lighting towers, raised staging, projected images and large scale graphic images of old Okehampton, specially created by art students from the college under the direction of Jean Buchanan, head of expressive arts. Many other youngsters will be taking part, including Okehampton Primary School choir and orchestra, the college's choir and Big Band, and singers from SoX and Okehampton Youth Chorus, who have written their own lyrics and harmonies. The cast includes people from all walks of life and all ages. One of the major roles will be played by a recently arrived Polish woman who is eager to join in with the community and make friends in her new home. Tickets for the musical are £5, £3 for concessions and £2 for under 16s. Family tickets are also available. The tickets are on sale now from Wren Music on St James Street in Okehampton, via post or from Okehampton Library. The project is a co-production between the Ockment centre and Wren Music, supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, Okehampton United Charities, Arts Council England South West and Devon County Council.THE stage is set for a carnival of community capers to light up Okehampton in magic and song. The Okehampton community musical project, run by Wren Music and the Ockment Centre, is soon to reach its climax. The musical, Carnival Capers, will take place in the sports hall at Okehampton College from Thursday, April 24 to Saturday, April 26. Director of the musical Eileen Dillon is eagerly anticipating opening night. She said: 'It has been such a wonderful experience working in Okehampton and I am delighted with the way so many people have come together to take part on stage and off. 'We have had help and support from the Courtenay Players — especially from their secretary, Stanley Stormont, who, as well as playing the role of Sidney Simmons, has been invaluable in assisting with workshops and rehearsals. 'Okehampton has a fascinating history, full of interesting characters such as Billy Ezard, who rode with Buffalo Bill Cody in his Wild West Show before opening Okehampton's first cinema, and King Cosmo, from Tuscany, who visited the town in the early fifteenth century.' The musical is inspired by characters such as these and the history of Okehampton as well as Dartmoor myths and legends. Carnival Capers has been written by playwright Tim Laycock and features more than 150 actors, singers and musicians from Okehampton and the surrounding area, ranging from primary school children to people who retired many years ago. The project is unique because the participants have written all the songs and music themselves. They have been working with professional composer and songwriter, Paul Wilson, from Wren Music, since September last year. Paul said: 'I really cannot remember a project like this before for enthusiasm and creativity. People still come up now and ask if there are any more songs they can write.' The sports hall will be completely transformed for the musical, with lighting towers, raised staging, projected images and large scale graphic images of old Okehampton, specially created by art students from the college under the direction of Jean Buchanan, head of expressive arts. Many other youngsters will be taking part, including Okehampton Primary School choir and orchestra, the college's choir and Big Band, and singers from SoX and Okehampton Youth Chorus, who have written their own lyrics and harmonies. The cast includes people from all walks of life and all ages. One of the major roles will be played by a recently arrived Polish woman who is eager to join in with the community and make friends in her new home. Tickets for the musical are £5, £3 for concessions and £2 for under 16s. Family tickets are also available. The tickets are on sale now from Wren Music on St James Street in Okehampton, via post or from Okehampton Library. The project is a co-production between the Ockment centre and Wren Music, supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, Okehampton United Charities, Arts Council England South West and Devon County Council.
