Chris was musical director for Chelinot at the Union Theatre, with directors Sasha Regan and Ben De Wynter. From writers Michael Cryne and Daniel Byrne Chelinot is a new music-theatre piece which deals with the themes surrounding the German occupation of France in WWII, confronting issues such as Anti-Semitism, occupation and complicity.
This, Chelinot’s world premiere, was rated first out of the Top Five Theatre productions, nationwide, by Benedict Nightingale for The Times.
Venue: Union Theatre, Union Street, Southwark, London SE1
Dates: 24 July – 12 August
About the Show
In the dead of night the French authorities begin moving their country’s Jewish population out of their homes and onto trains, sending them east to work camps. As the chaos unfolds the townspeople and their occupiers, once peaceful neighbours and friends, are forced into conflict. They must decide what to do: should they follow orders against their will, stay and resist or should those that can, flee? Courage and hope play their part in the choices that ultimately decide all of their futures.
A moving story accompanied by a stunning original score.
What the Critics said
“The incredibly moving tale of Chelinot is made more so by the orchestra on stage. The sublime beauty of the music bought to life each and every emotion experienced by the villagers
Passion, anger, love and sorrow were carefully captured in the exquisite direction of Christopher Peake.”
- Rebecca Omonira–Oyekanmi, IndieLondon“The real star of the show has to be Cryne’s sublime, haunting music.”
- Sarah Monaghan, Theatreworld“An excellently portrayed, well crafted, serious minded musical… Another memorable production for Sasha Regan, artistic director of the Union Theatre.”
- Elizabeth Peasley, LondonSE1
Working with Chris were:
Andre: Alan Richardson
Le Trec: Andy Obeney
Olivier: Oliver Carson
Aimee: Sarai Kirk
Malene: Nikki Gerrard
Irene: Annie Walker
German Soldier/Gendarme: Nathan Dunkin
Ensemble: Charlotte Milchard
Gendarme: Thomas Coombes
Jean–Paul: Warren Rusher
Louis: Aidan Crowley
Schultz: Alistair Gilyatt
Max: David Laughton
Einseitz: Ross Forder
Weill: Aidan Synnott
Oscar: Alexis De Vivenot/Joshua Gordon
Directors: Sasha Regan, Ben De Wynter
Lighting/Assistant director: Steve Miller