03/07/2026
🎶✨ A Place of Wonder Inspires Hundreds of Young Performers at Soho Theatre Walthamstow ✨🎶
On Tuesday 30 June, more than 600 pupils took to the stage at Soho Theatre Walthamstow for A Place of Wonder – an ambitious and immersive music production celebrating the rich heritage, creativity and natural beauty of Waltham Forest.
Presented by Waltham Forest Music Service, the production brought together the Choir of Joy, Funk in the Forest band, and a massed choir representing 20 primary schools from across the borough. The result was a powerful theatrical experience that captivated audiences across two inspiring performances.
Created and directed by Maya Sapone, the show wove together original compositions, works by Romantic and Modernist composers, folk traditions and improvisation to create a vibrant musical tapestry. At its heart was Kate Stilitz’s Songs of the Forest, a specially commissioned song cycle inspired by the ideas, words and experiences of local young people exploring Waltham Forest’s landscapes and stories.
The production followed a group of Victorian schoolchildren, led by a young William Morris, on a magical journey through local landmarks guided by the mystical Mother Shipton. Through music and storytelling, audiences travelled across time, discovering the borough’s changing landscapes, rich history and enduring sense of community.
The show’s breathtaking finale united hundreds of voices in celebration of Waltham Forest’s natural environment and creative spirit, showcasing the incredible talent, imagination and dedication of our young people.
👏 Congratulations to everyone involved in making A Place of Wonder such a memorable success. A wonderful example of the power of music to bring communities together and inspire future generations.
🎼🌳✨
