Rehearsals are now in full swing for the 21 performances of Carnival Messiah which will take place in the grounds of Harewood House in Leeds from 14 -30 September.

The hit show’s cast includes top musicians, actors, performers, designers and artists from overseas and Yorkshire, in what has been described as ‘a unique multicultural melting pot - unifying cultures, faiths, music and dance’.

Carnival Messiah was created by Geraldine Connor in 1994, and inspired by the 1992 album, ‘Handel’s Messiah - A Soulful Celebration’, Geraldine’s ambition was to give Handel’s oratorio, a radical infusion of Carnival spirit, drama and fun.

Sold out twice at West Yorkshire Playhouse, and in Trinidad, Carnival Messiah has fused classical music and the carnival spirit, West Indian and British culture – under one-roof.

The David Lascelles production sees many of the original performers returning for 21 unforgettable performances, including:-

• Internationally acclaimed Orisha singer Ella Andall (a big hit at the recent Carling Music Festival in Leeds).
• Actor and musician Ram John Holder, (best known for his roles in Channel 4’s ‘Desmonds’ and the title role in ‘Porkpie’, BBC1’s ‘Tracey Beaker’ and ‘Holby City’)
• Young star Jonathan Bishop from Trinidad who began his performance career in the 2003 production of Carnival Messiah in Port-of-Spain and now studies at the Sylvia Young Theatre School, London. Jonathan has recently played young Simba in the West End hit, The Lion King and performed on ITV’s X Factor).
• Stilt walkers Ernest Brew from Ghana , Dave Mitchell and Genevieve Say
• Galaxy FM’s inimitable presenter Jo Jo Kelly as Mama God
• Opera singers Ann Fridal, Ronald Samm and Marvin Smith.
• Tom Briggs Davis as the Ragga Storyteller.

From Trinidad:

Award winning masquerader Alyson Brown, dancers Christopher Sheppard and Natalie Joseph-Settle and musicians Sheldon Blackman and Redman Watson.

They are joined by first-timers including ‘How do you solve a problem like Maria’ finalist Simona Armstrong and actor Chris Tummins.

The show features a stunning array of award-winning costume designs, of more than 700 costumes by the internationally renowned designer Clary Salandy.

Yorkshire-trained music director, Michael Lovelock is currently taking the cast and band through a rigorous rehearsal schedule along with Geraldine Connor, co-director Mark Tillotson, choreographers Carol La Chapelle and David Hamilton, while Michael Steele-Eytle, opera and orchestral conductor of productions across Europe and the US, puts the professional choir and community chorus through their paces. Carnival Messiah’s all important Caribbean Steel Band sound is directed by Leeds based steel pan tutor, Dudley Nesbit and performed by the New World Steel Orchestra.

Carnival Messiah: 14-30 September 2007

Fri 14 Sep 7.15pm
Sat/Sun 15/16 Sep 1.45pm 7.15pm
Tues-Fri 18-21 Sep 7.15pm
Sat/Sun 22/23 Sep 1.45pm 7.15pm
Tues-Fri 25-28 Sep 7.15pm
Sat/Sun 29/30 Sep 1.45pm 7.15pm

The show lasts approximately 2 hours 45 minutes including one interval.

For ticket availability, prices and further information call 0113 218 1000, from 10.00am to 5.30pm or visit www.harewood.org/carnivalmessiah/media.shtml. Your ticket also includes free entry to Harewood House Grounds.