That was what one of the children said this evening when
President Kerr (the President of the Pageant) asked if anyone had any comments
or questions. And he was right! But let me backtrack…
Today was wet and rainy, and made us grateful that we have
such a large, solid marquee to perform under. The family cast and core cast
were up and working from 8:30am, while those of us in the choir were fortunate
enough to not be needed until 1pm. We ran through some scenes and had a great time
up on the bridge which is where the choir are positioned throughout (even
getting a little carried away and dancing along with a couple of the faster
paced songs!). At one point I was so involved in the production itself that as
I moved along the stage I completely missed a step and stacked it! Nice to know
my usual grace hasn’t abandoned me onstage (sorry, there will be no pageant
outtakes for those of you wishing to see it!)
Yesterday some of us – okay, me! – were really flagging,
feeling SO tired from all the standing around. Today I had no more sleep than
before, but so much more energy, and this seemed true of all involved; choir,
family cast, core cast and all. Truly President Kerr’s words have been proven,
when he blessed us all with the stamina and energy we needed for this pageant.
I had the opportunity to speak with several people before
the performance, and it amazed me how far some people had travelled – we had
people visiting from Denmark and America as well as nearer places like Wales,
Manchester and Bournemouth (okay, not so near)! Some were excited, some were
curious, and it was great to see such diversity amongst those visiting. The
pre-pageant show was filled with people trying on clothes for their
Victorian-style photo, playing games, researching their family history and
dancing along to the folk band. We had so many people thank us afterwards, and
tell us how much they had enjoyed it. Because, as Arthur Ashton says, this
really is all of our stories.
I thought last night’s dress rehearsal was amazing. But
tonight topped it completely. The vibrancy, the energy, the emotion; just
incredible. What really amazes me is the children; being in the family cast
they were up and working from 8:30am this morning and they kept on going until
we finished just after 10pm! And they are so excited and enthusiastic for it!
We were reminded this evening before we began that the work
that matters requires everyone. How true that is. The stage crew, the lighting
and sound technicians, the costume team…we could not pull off something like
this without them. I am so thankful to be a part of something like this,
something where we are all on the same team; pulling together, having fun, and
sharing our love for the gospel with others.
Tonight really was epic.
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