Theatre Royal Plymouth recruiting for Welsh National Opera funded Armed Forces Choir

Theatre Royal Plymouth (TRP) has unveiled an exciting opportunity for members of the regional Armed Forces community to be part of a new choir project in partnership with, and funded by, Welsh National Opera (WNO).

With a ‘Songs of the Sea’ theme, the unique project will invite participants to attend weekly sessions before performing on stage at this year’s Armed Forces Day on the Hoe. Opportunities will also be available throughout the programme for theatre trips, additional masterclasses and other performances across the region.

WNO regularly performs at TRP, with its next performance this spring with Peter Grimes.

The opportunity is open to individuals currently serving, veterans and immediate family members over the age of 18. No singing experience is necessary. Those interested can attend a taster session on 13 February at TRP’s Production and Learning Centre, TR2.

TRP regularly works with the Armed Forces as part of its Our Space programme. Our Space Programme Manager Becky Ormrod said: “We will be exploring various styles of music with the key theme of ‘Songs of the Sea’ running throughout, and this will culminate with a performance on the mainstage at Armed Forces Day in June.

“We are also working with the council to organise additional performances at key events in the city throughout the year which is very exciting. We thank the WNO for this opportunity and we can’t wait to bring local people from the military community on this journey with us.”

The taster session runs on Thursday 13 February, 19:00 - 21:00 at TR2, 12 Neptune Park, PL4 0SJ. No booking is necessary, but you can register interest at OurSpace@theatreroyal.com. Free parking is available and transport can be arranged from TRP if needed. For more information, visit https://theatreroyal.com/ourspace/#our-space-armed-forces-choir or email OurSpace@theatreroyal.com.

Our Space centres around four key strands of work including the Armed Forces. Funded by the Veterans’ Foundation, this element provides weekly workshops for service personnel, veterans and long-term wounded, injured and sick, using drama as a tool to build confidence. As part of this commitment to the Armed Forces community, in November, TRP officially signed the Armed Forces Covenant and has since received the Bronze Award, part of the Armed Forces Covenant Employer Recognition Scheme.  

The Covenant is a channel for voluntary and charitable bodies and private organisations to officially recognise the sacrifices that individuals make as a result of their duty. This extends to the families of serving members who play a vital role in supporting the operational effectiveness of the UK’s Armed Forces.