Photo documentation: Best Days of Our Lives: Community Reminiscence

Best Days of our Lives was a highly ambitious and successful spectacle which celebrated the lives of past and present pupils who have grown up and gone to school in Blacon, Chester. Commissioned by Dave Williams, Head Teacher of Dee Point Primary and Chair of The Collaborative Educational Group, Blacon, the piece was inspired by the stories of many people of all ages who were interviewed, and the archives held in each school. The book and lyrics were written by Helen Newall with music composed by Matt Baker, and was directed by Matt Baker, with choreography by led by Julia Williams, Homegrown Dance Theatre.

The piece involved over 300 children from all 6 schools in Blacon; a community chorus of 60 people; a band of 6 musicians; and 3 professional actors, Francis Tucker, Rachael Rae and Judy Jones.

Digital Scenography for the production was created by Andy Davies and DeeVideo and featured many people from Blacon as well as arial shots of the neighbourhood. Best Days of Our Lives enjoyed three sell out shows in Chester Cathedral.