Allen & Overy employees stage opera at Sadler’s Wells

Allen & Overy staff have staged a production of Bizet’s Carmen at Sadler’s Wells in London to an audience of 1,200.

The event raised over £15,000 for the British Red Cross and three East London primary schools: Christ Church, Sir John Cass and Stepney Greencoat.

More than 100 members of staff and 50 school children took on roles ranging from the orchestra, soloists, chorus, dancers and stage management.

Allen & Overy’s music programme allows employees to have outlets within the workplace to maintain and develop personal interests, such as music and stage productions.

It also helps to promote creativity aside from employees’ day-to-day roles, and encourages staff to take up new musical skills or deploy skills which may have otherwise fallen away.

The law firm has also built music rooms at its office for individual and group lessons and practice.

The music programme has produced a variety of productions including: The Magic Flute, Pirates of Penzance, HMS Pinafore and The Mikado.

Don McGown, partner and head of Allen & Overy’s music programme, said: “Following the success of last year’s The Magic Flute, we were pleased to see so many staff wishing to repeat the experience, alongside new faces and dancers.

“This has been a fantastic event that has brought together people from across the organisation in a variety of roles.

“Everyone involved should feel justifiably proud of what they have achieved on the night and of the contribution they have made for worthy causes.”

Howard Charles, production director of City Music Services (CMS), added: “Once again Allen & Overy demonstrated how real teamwork can bring out the best in everyone, to produce an utterly remarkable and unique production.

“We have worked with Allen & Overy for more than ten years, running their music tuition programme, choir and orchestra, as well as collaborating with them on a large number of performance-based events.

“This proves the firm’s commitment to much needed extracurricular activities, which provide a rare opportunity for City workers to show their often hidden talents.”

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