Press ReleaseFor immediate release: 3rd July 2017Embargoed for: 1st-5th & 8th-12th August 2017

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A victorian musical not to be missed

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Tuesday, 1 August marks the opening night for the British Pageant, a musical presentation by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons). The Pageant is a theatrical tribute to the culture and British history of a Christian church numbering around 190,000 in the UK today (almost 16 million worldwide). Over 300 members of the Mormon faith of all ages and backgrounds will perform in front of audiences totalling 20,000 + over 10 days. The performances take place on the grounds of the Mormon Temple in Chorley, Lancashire in a specially-built theatre. The stage is set in traverse style which will maximise visibility for the entire audience.

Audiences will hear the British stories of sacrifice and commitment that preceded the establishment of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Martyrs such as William Tyndale and Thomas More gave their lives so that every person in Britain could have the Bible in their own language. Audiences will also witness a re-enactment of the arrival of the first Mormon missionaries in Britain in 1837 and hear the message that changed the lives of large numbers of people who emigrated to the United States after being baptised as Mormons. It will be a story told through music, acting and readings from 150-year-old journals.

British Pageant Public Affairs: Lynne West klshuttleworth@ntlworld.com 07866 415 110

Europe Public Affairs: Malcolm Adcock adcockmp@ldschurch.org 07801 685 258

Pageant President Peter Trebilcock said, “The British Pageant tells the true story of thousands of people from the British Isles who heard a message of hope preached by missionaries from America over a century and a half ago. It tells their story through material extracted from their letters and journals of how they embraced their new faith and followed it, often at the cost of much personal sacrifice.”

The narrative of heritage will be told by members of the Mormon faith. The large cast and choir are amateur performers from all over the British Isles who have volunteered their time in the past months to rehearse together. One such volunteer is eleven-year-old Madison Faith Wright, a budding young actress who has been called a ‘miracle’. Born with many complications, she was not expected to live. Her first surgery took place when she was just two days old. The doctors told Madison’s parents that most of her life would be spent in a hospital. Now, defying all odds, she is a vibrant, active, healthy girl who loves expressing her joy and zest for life through drama.

Playing three different roles in the Pageant is Darren Evans from Bristol, Somerset. Not only is he managing director for an energy and sustainability consultancy, he is also a volunteer ecclesiastical leader for his congregation in Bristol. In the Pageant he plays a judge, a constable and the role of George Watts. “You could say I’m a two-hat and a wig kind of man” says Mr Evans with a smile.

The Pageant is a family affair for the Munday family from Chorley, Lancashire. Simon and Sarah Munday are taking on the roles of husband and wife on stage as George and Anne Cannon. Their son Jacob will portray Dai, a young Welsh migrant. Three of their other children are also cast members. “It is such a privilege to represent these incredible people who were full of faith and courage. We feel a deep kinship and affection for the Cannon family. We know that their story will touch many other people too - both the joyful moments and those that tug on our heartstrings ” says Simon Munday.

There are many people behind the scenes who are key in making the Pageant a success. Choreographers for the Pageant, Jonathan Mace from London and Leah Lynch from Dundee Scotland, work with dancers of all ages and skill levels. They have a goal that ties them together - a desire to do their best and to show their enthusiasm for the opportunity of performing in the Pageant through dance. Ben Gaughran and Beth Trebilcock are the music directors who lead a choir

of 180 and who will take turns performing over the two-week period. People from all over the UK will learn the music of the Pageant independently then gather together to rehearse and perform.

Ben Levitt who lives in Hull, Humberside is the producer for the Pageant and is experienced in preparing large venues for many successful professional artists. The production will be of the highest standards, using the best equipment the industry has to offer.

Jeannie Wills is tasked with leading the production of hundreds of costume pieces for the Pageant. She has named the project ‘Sewing with Love’ with over 40 women all over the UK helping to produce the Victorian-style costumes. One such seamstress, Katie Siswick, brings her 13-year-old brother John Siswick to cast rehearsals, then retreats to the sewing room for the day until John is finished. Their mother, Tracy, also helps while John is rehearsing. Jeannie reminds us “It is not about the colour, fabric, fit, or style of clothes. It is about the feelings of love and gratitude the actors experience when they take on the role of those early Latter-day Saints. It’s all about love.”

Alexandra Mackenzie Johns, from Jersey, directs the Pageant organising a larger cast than many Broadway shows. She also assisted in the writing of the Pageant, pouring over 150-year-old journals and historical documents. “Working with so many incredible families is a great privilege. There is a profound communal desire to tell the stories of early Mormons in Great Britain but in the process, tell our own stories too” says Alex. “I love seeing children and teenagers - especially with their parents, dancing and singing their hearts out together on stage. They inspire me.”

“The British Pageant is a great example of volunteerism, with many hundreds engaged in the performances and behind the scenes” says Roy Tunnicliffe, a senior ecclesiastical leader of the Church for the British Isles. “All those people involved are expressing, in a very practical way, what they see as the value of Christian faith in their own lives. The Pageant is a community celebration too and we invite those of all religious backgrounds and of none to join with us for this enjoyable musical event.”

Pageant dates are 1-5 and 8-12 August. Evening performances begin at 8pm, with Country Fair activities beginning at 6:30pm. Matinee performances will be held on 5, 11 and 12 August beginning at 3:00pm, with Country Fair activities beginning at 1:30pm. Tickets are free.