Dancing in the Mirror
by Rhik Samadder
directed and with music by Thomas Guthrie
devised by the Lewisham Creative Chorus, and performed by the LCC with a professional cast of nine, alongside young singers and players from Vox Urbane and The Outcry Ensemble (see programme below)
Performances: 22 and 23 May 2026
Venue: The Fellowship Inn, Bellingham, SE6 3BT
photo credits Evan John
‘It is often stated that arts should reach people of all ages, genders, ethnicities and classes but how many artists have genuine desire and, crucially, multifaceted abilities to create what others would not even dare to dream of… the play is about love, homelessness, class divide and hope… performed by LCC regulars with professionals in some of the parts… Guthrie’s Music and Theatre for ALL concept was gloriously realised… lighting was provided by LCC participants, dressed in black, by moving around (bent down or crawling on the floor) with electric torches shining lights according to the script… Guthrie’s music, interspersed within the play, was as innovative as magical – composed for cello, double bass and vocal quartet, the excellent musicians (also dressed in black) placed at different parts of the hall, outside the area where the play unfolded… Guthrie conducted at one end of the dark space, but all was together and beautifully performed… the finale of the play was as deeply moving as uplifting… led by Wagnerian tenor Neal Cooper (taking the part of his real-life uncle), we all sang Together We’re Stronger… by then the room was lit, and the play transposed into a reality we all wish for… with people like those facilitating this event, the future might bring happiness.’ Agnes Kory, Seen and Heard International
‘Beautifully staged in the atmospheric Inn, utilising the traverse staging to great effect to make the audience feel like ringside seat viewers to Jade’s sparring as well as the internal conflicts she undergoes… the enormous ensemble is deft in their scene changes and in creating the gloomy, almost sinister, atmosphere of turn-of-the-century London, and the rousing final scene, where the ensemble unite in song, is a powerful reminder of the human spirit that this piece leans so heavily upon, in an accomplished performance that sees many of the performers take to the stage for the first time… a triumphant project, and one that bursts with heart and pride.’ Dan English, Read About Stuff
‘The evening began with a delightful chorus of traditional London songs… written by Rhik Samadder in collaboration with the Lewisham Creative Chorus, and directed by Thomas Guthrie, who also composed the music, the production is an enterprising and deeply collaborative community effort… featuring singers from Vox Urbane Next Gen alongside performers from The Outcry Ensemble, the piece successfully blends theatre, music and movement into a cohesive and emotionally engaging performance… inventive… highly effective… throughout the evening, audiences are treated to the rich, melodious sounds of the choir, accompanied by mellow instrumentation that beautifully underscores the emotional beats of the story… the music never overwhelms the drama, instead complementing it with sensitivity and charm… an imaginative and heartfelt production.’ Bernadette Lintunen, LondonTheatre1
A selection of audience reactions:
‘The whole performance just transcended love and joy’
‘The mix of community artists working with professionals was inspiring and made for a much warmer, engaging and connected experience’
‘The joyful and sincere melding of generous professionals and enthusiastic and committed community members in a common cause’
‘It was honestly perfect. Loved that everyone chatted after in the pub too — performers and audience members and locals’
‘A really moving story, amazing acting and great music… should be more widely known’
‘I had a tear in my eye and a lump in my throat during the knees up in the bar pre-play’
‘Talented people coming together to tell a beautiful story… thought provoking and left the audience with a meaningful message to take away’
‘Loved how steeped in local history this was, and the fact that so many local people were involved in all aspects’
‘Real people singing with emotion and supporting each other every step of the way’
‘It deserves to be performed on a bigger stage so more people can enjoy it’
You can see the full programme below, with our thanks and shout outs for funders, volunteers and supporters:
Scroll down for clips of our wonderful LCC leading the singalong in the pub that started the show.