A Review by Paul D. Swarbrick & Gillian A. Lawson.
The Proscenium Theatre Company was in truly excellent form during the finale performance of Jeanne D’Arc at Saint John’s Minster in Preston last Saturday evening. Each artist skilfully delivered an exquisite rendition of their given parts and the orchestra played triumphantly in this wonderfully inspired musical interpretation of the story of Joan of Arc, ‘The Maid of Orléans’
This acclaimed musical which appeared at the Dominion Theatre in London’s West End last year, is the result of three years work of composing and producing by musical director Jim Thomas, who was originally inspired by reading ‘Saint Joan of Arc’ by Vita Sackville-West.
To assist him to understand the life of Joan of Arc Jim travelled to France several times, visiting the areas in which she was associated with, and the result was the powerful and very emotional production we have today.
Following a heartfelt standing ovation from the audience, Father Timothy Lipscomb, the Parish Priest, congratulated the whole company on the success of their spectacular show and remarked on how wonderful it was that the story of Saint Joan of Arc, should be told and performed in such a way at the Minster.
It only remains for us to say, ‘very well done indeed’ to all of the Proscenium Theatre Company and hope that you will delight us again in the future with another wonderful performance of something as unique and distinctive as the Jeanne D’Arc production.