People of all ages and all backgrounds from Deptford and Lewisham are working with an award-winning composer to put together a street opera.

Winner of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra’s British Composer Award 2013, James Redwood has brought together members of groups and organisations aged five to 90 from across south east London to create a show which will be performed on July 19 at The Albany in Deptford.

With the help of professionals, including his wife Hazel Gould – also a winner of the RPS’ British Composer Award, James has been meeting weekly with the seven groups to compose a new opera.

The groups, which include Deptford Green School and Action for Refugees in Lewisham, will then meet for an informal sharing of ideas before the work-in-progress show at the Albany.

The project is supported by anti-poverty campaigner and Big Issue founder, John Bird. It was devised and developed by creative producer Rachel Nelkin, with plans to make it a long-term project.

Go to thealbany.org.uk