Thrill to the ethereal beauty of a Midsummer Nights Dream; the passionate rhythms of Spain and the magic rituals of the Fire Dance as 'reins of fire' explode onto the arena. The voice of special guest star, tenor, Peter Brocklehurst will inspire and a trip to the picnic races will take an unexpected and hilarious turn.
We ask Ten Questions of Neil Croker, Cavalcade's Producer.
1. Where did the idea for Cavalcade come from?
Europe has a great history for putting on arena horse spectaculars. It seemed that nothing of this scale, focussing just on the horse, had been performed in Australia before.
2. Horses feature in so many myths and cultures around the world; how did you go about choosing the stories and putting the show together?
The Director and I discussed all our favourite horse myths, styles of horse skills and then put together lists of the music that would go with them. Out of these lists they began to combine with the help of an excellent music team in a way that they ended up choosing themselves. Great stories, amazing skills and beautiful music to create some moments that we are sure will give the audience shivers.
3. Was Cavalcade written around the abilities of the horses and riders or did you search for the horses and riders that could make the stories work?
We searched for the horses and riders to make the stories work. Luckily we have here in Australia a long and prestigious history of horsemanship and had no trouble in finding an incredibly talented cast of performers and horses.
4. I've heard there is an extraordinarily enchanting equine carousal in the show; can you describe it to me?
Remember the first time you saw a Carousel with the painted horses, the sparkling lights, the rousing music and sounds of laughing children? Our Carousel brings all of this to life as a cast of children and Shetland ponies join a magical set to create a moment that will transport you back to your childhood.
5. As children we often see horses as enchanted or magical creatures; do you think that Cavalcade recaptures a lot of that magic?
Cavalcade will not only capture the magic, it will make the adults in the audience believe all over again that horses really are magical creatures.
6. How did you meet / hear of Jean-Marc Imbert?
Jean-Marc Imbert is one of the world’s most famous equestrian performers. His shows tour Europe constantly to packed houses as he shows off his unique, almost telepathic, relationship with his horses. Producer, Daryl Herbert, saw one of Jean-Marc’s spectaculars whilst touring Europe for Melbourne's biennial horse event Equitana and recommended that Dennis Watkins (Artistic Director) and myself go and see him. Once Jean-Marc heard about Cavalcade-Reins of Fire he couldn’t wait to become a part of it.
7. What is it that you love about doing events like this?
Bringing together a unique group of people and skills and moulding them into a production that gives an audience a thrill. I’m looking forward to hearing the reaction of the crowd the first time Jean-Marc stands up on his bareback horses. I saw this in Germany earlier this year and the crowd went wild.
8. Do you think you will take Cavalcade to an international audience?
It would be a dream to take Cavalcade to an international audience. There isn’t any reason why this production wouldn’t translate into any arena in the world.
9. It must be a vast amount of organisation and logistics - any theatrical spectacular is big but at least you can house the actors in hotels! The Horses must bring a whole new dimension to the planning - trainers, stable hands, housing logistics etc. Didn't anyone ever tell you not to work with animals or kids?!
Maybe, but I never listen when people say something is not possible
10. Anything else you want to tell us about?
The production will also include some stunning circus performers showing off their skills against amazing backdrop of lighting and effects plus the beautiful voices of Australia’s classical sensation Peter Brocklehurst and rising star on the Aria charts Melinda Jackson. And for anyone wanting a laugh, the second act of the show features an hilarious comedy segment featuring the entire cast set in the fictional town of Bewilderee.
For more on the show and how to book tickets visit Cavalcade