#Lifeonshuffle & Jason Orange

Last month Manchester Camerata’s Youth Forum created a brand new promenade style musical from scratch and performed it live at the RNCM. 

The talented group of young people from Greater Manchester spent a week working alongside a team of talented arts practitioners and musicians made up of Camerata musicians, Janet Fulton and Amina Hussain, composer Andy Smith, dramatist Paul Hine and visual artist Dave Hulston to create the event #Lifeonshuffle. During the rehearsals the group had a very exciting surprise when Take That’s Jason Orange unexpectedly visited the project to meet the group and listen to one of their compositions.

#Lifeonshuffle took the form of the grand opening of an art exhibition and aimed to challenge the different ways in which people interpret art. The project was designed and created by members of the Youth Forum, including the artwork itself, the reflections on the artwork and all songs and music. The audience were taken on an intriguing tour of the ‘exhibition’, led around some of the more unusual spaces at the RNCM by Youth Forum actors, at times being surrounded by musicians and singers performing in complete darkness or being treated to inspiring ensemble performances.

What the audience thought

‘To achieve what you have in one week is incredible. It was a totally unique performance – original and well thought out – beautiful songs with feeling.’

‘There is a lot of talent our there – very moving, totally unexpected, first time here, shame I have never been before.’

How the participants felt

‘I have become more confident with expressing my ideas with people I’ve never met.’

‘I’ve learnt a lot musically – the project opened my eyes to all aspects of art.’

‘I designed the project so seeing it come together how I wanted it with better improvements has made me realise the efficiency of Camerata.’

‘I enjoyed the project because I got to do my favourite things with new people I’ve met; who are amazing. I’ve learnt how to be confident and open with new people.’

‘Expanded my comfort zone, met amazing people and had fun making it.’

Photographs from the rehearsals