Buy cheap tickets for Boozr
Dreams of Peace and Freedom

Part choral performance, part spoken word, Dreams of Peace and Freedom charts the development of the European Convention of Human Rights, reciting passages from one of its main champions, David Maxwell Fyfe, who was also a prosecutor at the Nuremberg Trials. Choral song and piano accompany the readings and are composed with passages from the Magna Carta, Non Semper Imbres and Rupert Brooke’s War Sonnets which were favourites of Fyfe. Brooke’s poem, The Soldier, which features in the production, inspired Fife’s closing speech at Nuremberg.

The production feels like a sermon on Human Rights.

Performed at the C South venue in St Peter’s Church and conceived by Tom Blackmore, the production feels like a sermon on Human Rights. It’s an appropriate piece to be at the fringe on the 100th anniversary of the start of the First World War and serves as a reminder of the hardships fought and the rights that were fought for. Not that this performance is likely to appeal to the young. The production is a very academic one and audiences should be aware that this is not a night of various musical forms, but of choral arrangements in three parts for female voices interspersed with journal entries read aloud.

The melodies are well constructed and communicate a level of intrigue and satisfaction at the developing structure of the convention of Human Rights. A sermon like celebration if you will. The melodies are played well by composer and pianist Sue Casson and sung beautifully by the group. Most poems are read well by the young Robert Blackmore but it’s easy to get completely lost in sections due to the sheer level of information being communicated as well as with the musical accompaniment. At times they drown each other out rather than complement one another.

There was a lengthy and very dull introduction to proceedings which feels far too long and mostly unnecessary and if he hasn’t already, Tom Blackmore would do well to cut it down considerably and let the show begin much sooner.

This is not a show for the casual fringe audience but rather for those with a particular interest in the Nuremberg trials, Rupert Brooke’s War Sonnets, or original choral compositions.

Reviews by Dave House

Space Triplex / theSpace @ Surgeons Hall

Sink

★★★★
theSpace on Niddry St

The Deer Johns: A Journey

★★★

Since you’re here…

… we have a small favour to ask. We don't want your money to support a hack's bar bill at Abattoir, but if you have a pound or two spare, we really encourage you to support a good cause. If this review has either helped you discover a gem or avoid a turkey, consider doing some good that will really make a difference.

You can donate to the charity of your choice, but if you're looking for inspiration, there are three charities we really like.

Mama Biashara
Kate Copstick’s charity, Mama Biashara, works with the poorest and most marginalised people in Kenya. They give grants to set up small, sustainable businesses that bring financial independence and security. That five quid you spend on a large glass of House White? They can save someone’s life with that. And the money for a pair of Air Jordans? Will take four women and their fifteen children away from a man who is raping them and into a new life with a moneymaking business for Mum and happiness for the kids.
Donate to Mama Biashara now

Theatre MAD
The Make A Difference Trust fights HIV & AIDS one stage at a time. Their UK and International grant-making strategy is based on five criteria that raise awareness, educate, and provide care and support for the most vulnerable in society. A host of fundraising events, including Bucket Collections, Late Night Cabarets, West End Eurovision, West End Bares and A West End Christmas continue to raise funds for projects both in the UK and Sub-Saharan Africa.
Donate to Theatre MAD now

Acting For Others
Acting for Others provides financial and emotional support to all theatre workers in times of need through the 14 member charities. During the COVID-19 crisis Acting for Others have raised over £1.7m to support theatre workers affected by the pandemic.
Donate to Acting For Others now

Performances

Location

The Blurb

This moving song cycle offers an intimate insight into the birth of modern human rights in Europe. As a prosecutor at the Nuremberg trials, Edinburgh-born David Maxwell Fyfe cross-examined Goering and subsequently became a champion of human rights and the European Convention. The story is told in words from his letters and speeches, interwoven with choral settings of Rupert Brooke and James Logie Robertson, poetry that inspired him. Conceived by Tom Blackmore with original music by Sue Casson, this is a timely and thought-provoking reminder of the seeds of an era-defining movement.
Buy cheap tickets for Agatha Christie The Mousetrap
Buy cheap tickets for Boozr

Most Popular See More

Buy cheap tickets for Magic Mike Live
Magic Mike Live

From £48.00

More Info

Find Tickets

Buy cheap tickets for The Marriage of Figaro
The Marriage of Figaro

From £13.00

More Info

Find Tickets

Buy cheap tickets for TINA: The Tina Turner Musical
TINA: The Tina Turner Musical

From £13.00

More Info

Find Tickets

Buy cheap tickets for Moulin Rouge! The Musical
Moulin Rouge! The Musical

From £31.00

More Info

Find Tickets

Buy cheap tickets for Starlight Express
Starlight Express

From £29.50

More Info

Find Tickets

Buy cheap tickets for The Book of Mormon
The Book of Mormon

From £25.00

More Info

Find Tickets

Buy cheap tickets for Oedipus starring Mark Strong and Lesley Manville
Buy cheap tickets for Anne Frank
Buy cheap tickets for Marriage of Figaro
Buy cheap tickets for Titanique
Buy cheap tickets for Circa Duck Pond
Buy cheap tickets for Frankie Valli
Buy cheap tickets for Lonely Londoners
Buy cheap tickets for The Elixir of Love
Buy cheap tickets for Cymbeline
Buy cheap tickets for The Pirates of Penzance