Hooray, we’re having a party 23 July – and you’re invited

Before fully reopening for classes and a packed performance programme from September, we’re having a party – and you’re all invited.

Proving why we’re THE place for performing arts in Norfolk, we’re taking over the streets of Norwich on Friday 23 July with live music, dance and entertainment. 

We’re also throwing open our studios where you’ll be able to try some of our autumn term classes for ages one to adults for free.

Booking for these and our theatre performances is open now. Booking for our autumn classes opens Monday 12th July.

City centre shoppers may get more than they bargained for from 11am on the day, with surprise performances from some of our dance tutors and participants. Keep your eyes peeled though, they’ll be gone in a flash.

These groups will then open The Garage’s two showcases.

We’re running a stage on Millennium Plain, outside The Forum, from 12.45pm-2.15pm and 4pm-5.30pm.

There will be performances by current and former members of our music programmes and dance from some of our performance companies.

Singing will be former Unsigned participant Bridget Holmes, current Unsigned member Amelia Stephanides, former Musicians’ Development Programme participant and young patron Finn Doherty and current Unsigned members Jøra The Førtuneteller. 

Dance groups FleX and Pulse are uniting for a performance. Connect will also perform.

Special guest Cinderella will be popping by The Forum stage around 10.45am-11.15am, 12.10pm-12.40pm, 2.15pm-3pm and 3.45pm-5.30pm. She’s been given time off from cleaning to tell everybody about the magical return of My First Panto for ages seven and under.

This year’s co-production with All-in Productions is Cinderella Rocks. Whether you see it at The Garage in Norwich or its sister venue The Workshop in King’s Lynn you’re guaranteed to have a ball. 

We’ll be announcing when booking opens on our socials. She won’t be the only familiar storybook character you may bump into.

Our friendly team will be at both sites throughout the day and will be happy to talk about our classes, accredited courses, outreach and charity work as well as our autumn theatre season.

Keep an eye out for our Turn Your Dreams Into Reality short films, which will be shown at nearly 50 locations across Norwich. 

Made in collaboration with Lambda Films, they feature participants past and present and highlight the range of creative opportunities we offer right here in the heart of the city.

Carrie Mansfield, our Executive Producer, said: “We’re thrilled to celebrate the arrival of summer holidays. It’s been a challenging time for everybody, but we can now fully open our studios for people to come and take part in classes or watch great small-scale theatre.

“What better way to thank our patient participants, our supporters and the creative community than by doing what we do best – sharing some dance, music and entertainment to enjoy. We’ve a lot to be grateful for and lots to look forward to in the coming months so please join us.”