Volunteers answered call to participate in Verdi’s masterpiece.

An epic opera which comes to Birmingham next Saturday is proving to be a real local affair as it features nearly 50 Birmingham-based actors keen to tread the boards.

Award-winning Ellen Kent’s Aida, which comes to the New Alexandra Theatre on Saturday 5th October features over nine adult singing extras as well as a total of 38 young people aged from seven to 16 from Stagecoach in Solihull. They all answered a casting call for extras in the production which will see them cast as children, slaves and soldiers.

Pyrotechnic displays and lighting effects help bring Ellen’s love of large scale productions to the local stage, complete with stunning scenery depicting the splendour and mystery of ancient Egypt. The celebrated Chisinau National Opera and Philharmonic Orchestra, with international guest soloists, will also perform.

Ellen’s production of Aida includes temple dancers, cages of exotic birds and parrots, ballet sequences, beautiful pillared sets with intricate tomb paintings, Bedouin dancers, a bathing scene and the ceremonial march with a pyrotechnic display where a wall of fire extends across the stage in a massive burst of flames.

Amazing poi fire spinners come out of the firewall with a dazzling display of fire wheels and live flames to mark the jubilant celebrations of the classic Triumphal march.

Ellen said: “Basically, it’s the big one. The biggest, most spectacular opera. In my opinion, it’s the best score Verdi ever wrote. It’s exotic and interesting and the music is simply spectacular.  Even now, it’s my ambition to stage Aida on the banks of the Nile with a cast of thousands.”

Tickets are on sale now from the box office on 0844 871 3011 or at www.atgtickets/birmingham. For more information, go to www.ellenkent.com.