Royal Opera House in Thurrock

The ROH has, since last September, been working with the local community in Thurrock to create a "people's opera" as part of the regeneration scheme and to lay the foundations for what it hopes will be a long-term, cultural relationship.
More than 600 people, from primary school children to young offenders and pensioners, have played a part in bringing together the production Sun and Heir, which opens tonight at the London Cruise Terminal in Tilbury and is based on Wagner's Das Rheingold. Ten parts have gone to local people, who will share the stage with professional performers, while another 30 have joined the chorus.
Others, such as 55-year-old caretaker Ursula Garwood, have helped with the props - platting and weaving part of a swamp and putting together some of the costumes. Van driver Alan Phillips, 62, who was recruited to the chorus, says: "I think the word 'opera' might have put a lot of people off. It doesn't connect with our area, but it's just a word. I used to run a church choir and thought I'd get involved. I've loved every minute of it."
The project has also appealed to younger people. Sixth-former Kilian McIntosh plays one of the key characters, resistance leader Burre. He says: "I'd heard of the ROH, but didn't know they were moving to Thurrock. I think it's important because it gives people like me an opportunity, and will give the local area a positive image."
The opportunity to perform in Sun and Heir has been a turning point for 16-year-old Courtney Simmons, who helped to make the props while on a six-month youth offender programme for causing criminal damage, and went on to audition successfully for the part of a policeman. He says: "I love entertaining people and am hoping to join a performing arts course this year. The opera has been a great idea. It's keeping me out of trouble because it's given me something to do."
The success of the project is boosting local aspiration, according to Mike Dench, community development officer for Thurrock Thames Gateway Development Corporation. He say: "When people first heard the ROH was coming here they said: 'Why? What have we got that they want?' But more than 500 people have got involved, which shows what can happen when people are given an opportunity."