Norwich's historic Cathedral Close is set to be transformed into a mesmerizing dream world for the opening act of this year's Norfolk and Norwich Festival.
Mysterious characters will invite festival-goers to join them on a fantastical adventure through the moonlit Cathedral Close for the show Rêve d'Herbert (Herbert's Dream) which is being brought to Norwich by French performance group Compagnie des Quidams on both Friday and Saturday night this week.
The enchanting show will see the performers themselves magically turn into giant lanterns that light the way to a grand finale full of music, movement and majesty.
Mikey Martins, the artistic associate for the festival who is responsible for programming the festival's outdoor work, circus and cabaret, described Rêve d'Herbert as a 'very beautiful and fantastical spectacle' and said it was great to have one of the city's most historic settings as the backdrop for the performance.
'It's really important to us to use these beautiful places in Norwich for the festival, and to do shows in different places,' he said.
'We wanted to something big and in a different part of the city for the festival's opening show, and because the Cathedral Close area is so beautiful and evocative, the location is perfect for a dream-like, fantastical spectacle.
'Compagnie des Quidams have done their show in all sorts of amazing places across Europe and around the world.
'When they came to see the Cathedral Close space they were very excited, and we are very proud to be bringing them here and putting the show on in such a beautiful location.
'We are putting it on for two nights to make sure everyone gets the chance to see the performance.'
He said the show was a great family event, suitable for all ages.
'The show begins at 9.30pm, then the dream begins,' he said.
'You will meet these incredible, curious otherworldly characters and they will take you on a dream-like experience full of music around the Cathedral Close. They are on a journey and the audience will be able to join them.'
When asked how this year's opening show would compare to last year's opening performance of Invasion by Close Act, Mr Martins said: 'It will be equally as beautiful and exciting but also different.
'Close Act's performance was more of a loud spectacle that was in your face and with lots of giant beasts.
'This one is more dreamy and seductive in a way. It's a slightly different type of spectacle full of dreamy adventures – but if you enjoyed last year's opening show then you are going to love this.'
Rêve d'Herbert was created by Compagnie des Quidams and Inko'Nito, and is performed by Compagnie des Quidams.
The show is part of the festival's MG Free programme, a series of free outdoor events for all ages taking place throughout the festival and sponsored by May Gurney.
The free performances of Rêve d'Herbert are in Norwich's Cathedral Close on Friday and Saturday this week at 9.30pm. People are advised to arrive early for the show. The performance starts close to the main entrance of the cathedral and lasts about 50 minutes.
For more information about the show and other Norfolk and Norwich Festival events, visit www.nnfestival.org.uk
Share your pictures and videos of Reve D'Herbert with us at www.iwitness24.co.uk
emma.knights@archant.co.uk
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