Young Oxford actors set to perform as part of the closing celebrations for Liverpool’s year as European Capital of Culture gave a preview of their show at the weekend.
On Saturday, the 12 young people showcased Car to Spire – a piece based on the story of Oxford – one of 17 cities to bid to become the 2008 cultural capital.
Each of the unsuccessful cities were invited to take part in the final celebrations, and the budding young actors are set to fly the flag for Oxford next month.
Car to Spire, which has been created by the group, aged between 14 and 20, has been the result of a partnership between the Oxfordshire Youth Arts Partnership Trust (OYAP), Pegasus Theatre and Oxford Preservation Trust.
About 300 people were invited to the BMW Plant in Cowley to see the hour-long performance – which included a choreographed piece on bicycles called Bicycle Ballet, music, dance, acting, miming and street theatre.
Gill Jaggers, of the Pegasus Theatre, said: “I think it is very exciting. It’s not just a performance. The group have researched in depth the city and its history.”
The youngsters have been working hard on the project, giving up all their holidays since February and rehearsing for long periods at the Pegasus Theatre.
Director of OYAP Helen LeBrock said: “It was a thrilling performance. The group are really saying something about what they want their Oxford to be like in the future.”
The two-day event at St George’s Hall in Liverpool will take place next month.
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