Doncaster community groups perform in online musical

“We Begin Again” produced by The Guardian, in partnership with National Theatre was written by Olivier award-winner James Graham and is a hopeful and unifying song for the country to take stock of the extraordinary year gone by and reset for the year ahead.

The six Doncaster community organisations who took part are B:friend, Conversation Club, Edlington Community Organisation (ECO), Cast Young Company, darts and Right Up Our Street.

The organisations are part of the National Theatre's Public Acts programme and united together from their doorsteps and virtually to create this message of renewal and hope for the country alongside stars of stage and screen including Anita Dobson from EastEnders.

Emily Lim, Director of the National Theatre’s Public Acts programme said, “It has been such an exciting, new experience creating this piece with our amazing Public Acts company. It is the first time we've ever made a film, and the first time our community members in Doncaster and London have united to collaborate together, cross-country!

“It has felt so important to stay creative and connected with one another at this time, despite all the restrictions, and we can't wait to share this message of renewal and hope with everyone at the end of such a difficult year”.

Jess Gormley, Guardian Commissioner & Executive Producer added: "The Guardian is delighted to have partnered with the National Theatre on this unique project, with both production teams working around the various obstacles this year has thrown up.

“As theatres have had their stage productions curtailed, going online to a large international audience provides new opportunities to reach audiences and we were excited to connect our skilled film team with Public Acts’ diverse and numerous company members from London and Doncaster. It’s been a tremendous group effort and we hope the final film provides a balm to our viewers, at the end of a difficult year."

The film is available at

https://www.theguardian.com/we-begin-again and the cast recording on www.Broadwayrecords.com.