Drifting Dragons

Drifting Dragons at Morrisons

We received funding from the Arts Council, Philip Bates Trust and The Humphrey Richardson Taylor Charitable Trust to create the full production of a new opera by Greg Harradine ‘Drifting Dragons’ in town centre locations across the borough of Merton during summer 2016 and also at the Grimeborn Festival at the Arcola Theatre.

You can see a sneak peek of the show in the video by clicking here.

Drifting Dragons in Mitcham

Sadie is the red dragon. Jason is the green dragon. It’s been that way since nursery. But now as they edge towards their late twenties, their lives pull them in different directions. Will their friendship suffer a final, fatal rupture, or endure stronger than ever? Inspired by real issues of real Merton people we’ve spoken to, this new opera puts modern friendship under the microscope, examining the pressures that push some relationships to breaking point, and the joys that sustain others despite the odds.

Drifting Dragons is an opera about everyday life that was performed in everyday locations along the high street. The free unticketed performances took place on the street.

Reviews

Drifting Dragons at Dalston Square, Grimeborn Festival

Brilliantly clever staging around Dalston Square with a fountain and a bus stop acting as the perfect performance spot.- , Everything Theatre

This is a unique company that create unique experiences- , Everything Theatre

A beautiful ode to friendship between changing lives. With a relatable storyline and excellent performances, it is an ideal public opera.- , Theatre Bubble

The music, while unconventionally bare and folk-like for opera, is beautiful – tonal and melodious.- , Theatre Bubble

The staging of this production, directed by Joanna Turner, is fantastic- , Everything Theatre

Creative Team

Greg Harradine – Composer
Joanna Turner – Director

Singers

Felicity Buckland – Sadie
Louis Hurst – Jason
Nicholas Morton – Dan

Instrumentalists

Julia Stone – Violinist
Greg Harradine – Guitarist & Composer

Blog Posts from the show

• It's our 5th Birthday!
• Big thanks to everyone involved in Drifting Dragons
• Are you interested in singing or acting in Merton?
• Composing Drifting Dragons
• Interviews with the cast of Drifting Dragons
• Drifting Dragons Cast Announced
• Sneak peek of 'Drifting Dragons'
• Thanks for supporting Drifting Dragons!
• Drifting Dragons Public Sharing
• Cast announced for 'Drifting Dragons' the new Merton Opera Project

DATES: 26th July – 31st July 2016
PRICE: FREE
STARTING LOCATIONS:
There were ten performance locations across the Merton borough and two performances as part of the Arcola Theatre’s Grimeborn Opera Festival in Hackney.

Our Supporters for this Production