Suffolk school children star in ‘Flooded!’ production at St Edmundsbury Cathedral

Hundreds of school children have taken part in a cathedral’s production in a performance that celebrated local history and talent.

More than 240 pupils took to the stage at St Edmundsbury Cathedral on November 15 and 16 for three performances of ‘Flooded!’ — a play which combined Neil Clayton’s ‘The Fools' Flood’ about a historic flood in Bury St Edmunds and Benjamin Britten's family opera ‘Noye's Fludde’.

Participating schools included Barnardiston Hall, Cheveley, Culford, Finborough, Guildhall Feoffment, Risby, St Edmundsbury, Tollgate and Wickhambrook.

Reverend Joe Hawes, Dean of St Edmundsbury, said: “Flooded! was a thrilling production which the children excelled in.

“Welcoming schools to partner with us on this production was wonderful and we’ve heard such positive feedback from audiences.

“A huge thank you from all at the cathedral to those who came along and supported all our performers.”

In addition to its music and action, ‘Flooded!’ also featured costumes created by the children — many of which were decorated using recycled materials.

The production was supported using public funding by Arts Council England and The Vestey Trust and also saw creative professionals from Britten Pears Arts and Suffolk Music Service take part.

This include conductor Claudia Grinnell, director Anna Pool, set and costume design by Stewart J Charlesworth, lighting design by Nicola Crawford as well as George Robarts portraying Noye and Mae Heydorn as Mrs Noye.