Simon Callow will perform at this year’s Centre Stage: Richmond Myths, the free multi-arts festival co-produced by Orange Tree Theatre and Hemingway Design, taking place across Richmond from 17 to 19 July.
Returning for its second year, the festival will transform the town into a celebration of creativity, culture and community, with people aged seven to 87 taking part in performances, carnival processions and workshops throughout the weekend.
Callow will appear as the Oracle in the festival’s closing ceremony on Sunday 19 July at Hill Rise. Written by Kwame Owusu and inspired by The Garden of Hesperides, the performance will be directed by Orange Tree Theatre’s Deputy Artistic Director, Georgia Green.
The closing ceremony, along with all Richmond Myths performances across the weekend, will be free to attend.
The festival opens on Friday evening with a spectacle featuring the twelve Olympian gods, launching a weekend of music, dance and large-scale public performance.
On Saturday, Richmond town centre will become a hub of activity as George Street and Whittaker Square host theatre, live music, food, workshops and interactive events for audiences of all ages.
The programme continues on Sunday with performances in locations across Richmond before culminating in the final outdoor ceremony on Hill Rise.
As part of the project, Orange Tree Theatre has partnered with local organisations including Richmond Carers Centre, Otakar Kraus Music Trust, BridgeLink Community Centre, Ukrainian Social Club, Multicultural Richmond and Combination Dance. Working alongside writers, each group has reimagined a Greek myth for contemporary audiences.
Georgia Green said: “Richmond Myths is a celebration of the stories, people and imaginations that make this borough such an extraordinary place. Bringing together professional artists alongside community participants aged 7 to 87, we’re weaving together local history, folklore and a healthy dose of imagination to create something entirely unique on an epic scale.
“We’re also absolutely delighted to welcome Simon Callow to Sunday’s performance as the Oracle – a wonderfully fitting role for one of our greatest storytellers. We can’t wait for audiences to experience the energy, innovation and life force of our local community, and to discover all the extraordinary myths waiting to be found over the weekend”.
Centre Stage: Richmond Myths is supported by Be Richmond and Richmond Council, with public funding from Arts Council England through the National Lottery and the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames Civic Pride Fund.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
