Flooded! at St Edmundsbury Cathedral

St Edmundsbury Cathedral is getting ready to host its largest-ever community arts project – a theatre, opera and song extravaganza that tells the story of the city’s historic flood.

Lights! Camera! Action! … get ready for Flooded! at St Edmundsbury Cathedral

Over 200 local people and professional creatives have come together for ‘FLOODED!’ a new play based on The Fools’ Flood by Neil Clayton and Benjamin Britten’s family opera, Noye’s Fludde.

Supported by Arts Council England, Flooded brings together St Edmundsbury Cathedral, with 15 local schools, Britten Pears Arts, Suffolk Music Service, and multiple community groups.

With a set made almost entirely from recycled materials, and with many costumes decorated by the children themselves, the production has created a space for the community to come together.

It is the largest art project undertaken by the Cathedral in recent times and tells the real story from the 13th century when monks at the Abbey decided to dam the Tayfen Brook which flooded the marshes to the northeast of the town enraging the town citizens who then tried to tear down the dam.

There will be three performances only –  one on Friday 15 November and two on Saturday 16 November.

The Very Reverend Joe Hawes, the Dean of St Edmundsbury, said:,

“We’re thrilled that Flooded! will take over the Cathedral Nave bringing together young people from local schools with Suffolk-based musicians and creatives.

“As well as being full of beautiful music and fast-paced action, Flooded! will allow us to reflect on our world today with the climate emergency and migration so often making headlines.  It promises to be an incredible show!”

FLOODED! 15 – 16 November – St Edmundsbury Cathedral, tickets on sale here.

Photo credit Owen Cox