Places features

Thorpeness Meare

For Nina and Cevanne Horrocks-Hopayian, Neverland is and will always be the timeless village of Thorpeness.

In the summer of 2009 they devised a series of musical and theatrical performances to highlight the village's links to the creator of Peter Pan, J.M.Barrie.

"The theme of the concerts comes from the place: J.M. Barrie had a hand in designing Thorpeness, and the meare contains what could be called the living Neverland," said Cevanne.

"We wanted to bring high-quality arts to the area which has some of the highest social isolation and deprivation in the UK."

The concerts, which fell under the banner Out of Neverland, featured original work composed by the sisters and included performances from local musicians and actors.

Ogilvie Hall in Thorpeness was chosen as the venue to remind local people and visitors why the village is themed on the world of Peter Pan.

"The future of Ogilvie Hall is also uncertain, and as it is such a wonderful space - also used by Britten for his rehearsals and early Aldeburgh Festival events - we thought we'd raise its profile by holding a series of arts events there."

Ogilvieopoly

For three generations Thorpeness remained mostly in the private ownership of the Ogilvie family.

The famous meare was created in the early 1900s, with many of its inspirations coming from a personal family friend of the Ogilvies - J.M. Barrie and his fantasy Peter Pan.

J.M Barrie in Thorpeness, 2nd from right

The author made regular visits to the village and was pictured outside the country club in 1919.

Tiny islands on the meare contain locations found in his novel such as the pirates' lair, Wendy's home, and many others which children are encouraged to play on.

Cevanne and Nina Horrocks-Hopayian both love Thorpeness and devised the concerts to highlight what a magical place it is for them.

For the concerts the girls approached their friends, many of whom are emerging musicians, with some degree of national recognition.

They offered to play for no fee and the girls set about fundraising, which involved busking, advertising and getting gifts from local businesses and friends. The organisers raised enough to pay the artists and to break even, and so the concerts began in May 2009.

"The concerts have all been very different, with a mix of music and media and a strong move away from the idea of a passive audience who merely observe a staged presentation," said Nina.

Nina and Cevanne Horrocks-Hopayian

"A number of local professionals have been involved throughout: costumier Queen Lear, retired radio presenter Rosina Enright, Cevanne and Nina themselves, photographer Peter Chadwick and drama coach Jill Hubbard.

"There's been jazz with fashion, soul with unique narrative around the travels of a Tinkerbell cast out of Neverland, and a spellbinding reading of Peter Pan as it could have been in 1904, complete with Edwardian ballads, that left the adults choking back tears and the children wanting to fly.

"Our Pan in Havana brought a percussion workshop to the English seaside; Women of Water mixed voices, harps, lute and poetry; Terpsikorie offered their uniquely magic mix of 'dance and musikorie' to an audience from 4 to 94."

It's hoped the concerts will now become an annual event.