NEWS

Testament is back for Orpheus in the Record Shop at Leeds Playhouse

World record-breaking beatboxer Testament brings Orpheus in the Record Shop back to Leeds Playhouse in a unique collaboration with musicians from Opera North.

It was first performed as a socially distanced show at the height of the pandemic as a ground-breaking hour long piece working with featuring members of the Chorus and Orchestra of Opera North, including soloist Helen Evora.

Audiences join Orpheus as he plays tunes in his record shop, but after an old friend visits, strange things start to happen. Music, myth and reality collide as he goes off in search of something ancient, contemporary and hopeful.  

Orpheus in the Record Shop by Testament at Leeds Playhouse. Photograph Anthony Robling

Testament took his inspiration from the Greek myth of Orpheus to create a challenging narrative that fuses spoken word and beatboxing with classical music.  

 “The response from the initial run of performances was electric, we had people laughing, crying and dancing out the door,” says Testament.  “It resonates with audiences, bringing magic and wisdom from ancient myth to the everyday in a celebration of our amazing city of Leeds.

Orpheus in the Record Shop is in the Quarry Theatre from 13-15 October. To book 0113 213 7700 or www.leedsplayhouse.org.uk

Paul Clarke

Recent Posts

Slave: A Question of Freedom – Riverside Studios

Slave: A Question of Freedom is a powerful performance that transports the audience to the…

3 days ago

Cirque du Magique – Wolverhampton Grand

I’m sure I don’t need to remind you of the great Philip Astley who, in…

3 days ago

The Sculptor – Banshee Labyrinth, Edinburgh

A fascinating introduction to the world of ‘the anatomical Venus’, we are immediately presented in…

3 days ago

How To Be Brave – Hull Truck Theatre

The Godber Studio was very well-attended on Friday evening, when Hull Truck Theatre hosted How…

3 days ago

Woman | Women – Rowena Gander

A new stage production is fusing performance art and physical theatre to explore how lesbian…

5 days ago

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time – Forum Theatre

Well, where do I start with this review? Being a Stockport lad myself I am…

5 days ago