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Schoolchildren to perform at 'dream' concert

Rachael Lewisin Birmingham
News imageBBC A woman smiling into the camera she has short brown hair and is wearing glasses. She has a black jumper on with a white cross in the background. There is the inside of a chapel behind her and we can see blue chairs and a podium which has a cross on it too. BBC
The show, written by Jo Boyce, marks it's 30th anniversary

More than 300 schoolchildren from across Birmingham will be performing a musical production from 30 years ago, in what the writer describes as "a dream".

The Symphony Hall performance, ahead of Easter, will mark the anniversary of Born For This, a musical retelling of the last days of Jesus.

The ensemble and choir are made up of children of all faiths, from six different schools, said singer-songwriter, Jo Boyce.

"To have these young people, who are taking part in our semi-professional production for the first time ever, it feels like a real handing-on of a legacy," she said."

"Born for This is our musical retelling of the Way of the Cross, and it's probably fair to say that it's been one of the most powerful fruit of our ministry over the past three decades, she added.

News imageBeatrice has curly brown/ginger hair smiling into the camera. She is wearing a black jumper which has blue writing on the top left corner. Behind her is a tinted glass which is painted with a red crest.
Ensemble member Beatrice says she's "very excited" for the performance.

Rehearsals have been a logistical feat, with children from schools across the city meeting at St Thomas Aquinas Catholic School.

The other schools involved include Bishop Challoner Catholic College, St Peter's Catholic School, Archbishop Ilsley Catholic School, St John Wall and John Henry Newman.

"We understand that this is such a diverse community and everyone is just there to support each other, learn from each other, learn about each other, and learn to live in harmony," said the writer.

"It's amazing, in some respects it's a bit of a dream.

"I never thought these songs, anything I'd written that would ever be on a stage in Symphony Hall," she added.

News imageA photo of rows of children holding paper and singing. There are a mix of girls and boys and everyone is wearing comfortable jumpers and casual clothing. There is a woman standing on steps with a guitar.
Schoolchildren of all ages from six different schools are taking part

Ensemble member, Beatrice, said how much she was looking forward to the performance.

"My parents were in it when it first started and it feels like a home in a way," she said.

"The rehearsals have just made it all real, and I'm so excited for the real thing."

Luke is also part of the cast and said: "To be here perform with such a wonderful cast, is such an amazing opportunity. I'm just excited to see how it goes."

Those who have been part of the production through the years are also joining as legacy cast members.

Hannah was part of the 20 year anniversary in 2016 and said: "I never thought we would do it again, so I am absolutely thrilled to be asked back to do it one more time."

Born for This will be performed at Symphony Hall on Wednesday 25 March at 19:00.

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