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