so i hear we may b havin a dvd soon? do you reacon we could hav a copy of slideshow we saw in our week of work we did for miserere allegri (notingham group) which showed us jumpin n doin som drama looked real good n showed som of work we don slideshow am onabou isn’ dvd which was wiv instalation mayb i am askin for loads or slideshow of us behin screan has bin misplaced or was used for cutin for final piece or ? am unsure would b flat e who made you hav already don much for us n thanks for oportunity i wouldn of known abou group if wasn’ for a frien who showed me group who also enjoys i hav seen new publicity in doubl impac n hav a new shirt (freebie n is cool) am glad loads of people can join do us a favour if u c sarah or ben giv my wishes as i know were much liked by group som who hav bin in group performin for years
reacon was good havin jane n elle i reacon was her name as smal number of members n neil also doin som on our session n am also learnin song on keyboard
take care n be safe lol

Hi there Sarah – yes DVDs of My Secret Heart are coming soon and you’re right that the slideshow was created by Flat-e. I’ll ask them if they still have the photos and get back to you.
Hope to see you all soon
Cheers
Matt

Hi Sharon
Tommy from Noah has got together with all involved with ‘My Secret Heart’ and would like to say this on their behalf.
“My Secret Heart was a very special evening and we had a great evening, and we has great pleasure in sharing the experiences with our friends. Thanks for the oppurtunities that streetwise are giving us.
Thankyou for the D.V.D. We watched it and am afraid to say we were not so pleased in that we were in London for seven days rehearsing and presenting “My Secret Heart”, and yet we were not seen or heard and this was very disappointing for us. We were proud that night and there was no recollection of the event on the D.V.D. The D.V.D had no meaning for us.
All the new friends we made gave us a great feeling of warmth and togetherness so again thankyou for this oppurtunity.
See you all soon
Cheers
Tommy, Lorraine, Cutty, Phil, Tim and Robert.

Hi Tommy – thanks for taking the time to post a message. Glad you enjoyed the project and the premiere and I’m really sorry for the confusion with teh DVD. We should have pointed out that the DVD was just the installation piece you created in the workshops – with the other Streetwise performers around the country. As you know you’re all featured on the piece both on film and on the soundtrack. What we didn’t manage to do was to film the live performance at the Royal Festival Hall in London. With over 100 performers this turned out to be really hard and we couldn’t manage it. I will ask the video artists Flat-e since I know they took some film of the rehearsal and I will try to get hold of that. Also the documentaries didn’t feature the London week unfortunately because the timing didn’t work for the TV companies.
Really looking forward to seeing you all at the performance and presentation of the installation at the Hat Factory in July!
All the best to you all at NOAH
Matt

A massive thank you to everyone who came to Opera North in Leeds last week for our Annual Workshop Day. It was wonderful to see you all – around 80 Streetwise performers turned up. I was particularly wow-ed by the performance each group made of songs you’ve been working on – and of the applause and support everyone gave each other.
I feel really honoured to be working with all of you
Matt

I second that Matt it was a great day out, in great surroundings meeting up with old and new friends, it was a pleasure to work with them all.Thanks again Sir??? Matt!!!.

Hi Matt
Is it possible to see the interview that i was featured in for the Andy Ludlow Awards Ceremony
last year as i was not present on the day of the awards
Cheers
Ken

It nice to know what peice of opera were are going to be doing for the Lord Mayors Show im really looking forward to it.Any date set for the recording of the CD as a few of my friends are curious as to whether they will be ready for Xmas or not as they wish to give them as presents

All the best and hope to hear from you soon

Ken

Hi Ken – the Lord Mayor’s show is going to be sections from Mozart’s ‘Marriage of Figaro’ and we’re planning on recording the CD in October although we don’t have a date yet. As you know it’s not going to be commercially-available, but we’ll make sure everyone gets copies. You should be aware though that CDs take a while to edit and press so we can’t guarantee it’ll be ready for Christmas. Fingers crossed!
I just noticed I hadn’t got back to you about the press for the Andy Ludlow Awards last year – the only thing that was broadcast was a BBC London TV report which was shot at Crisis in London but I don’t think you were on that. I’ll check. You were featured though in the ‘Up for the Arts’ show. We have that in the office so I will get that copied.
Cheers
Matt

Hi Matt, just wanna say a big thank you to you and all the Streetwise crew who work so hard to keep our wonderful workshops together, And for the great day out in Leeds where we got to see all the performers from all over the uk again, everyone performed really well and they were all so friendly,Can i just say through being in Streetwise since 2006 my confidence has grown that much ive went on to sing in a band called ” Over The Edge” for over a year now with Angie from the Byker workshop, we do gigs for people who have had and are still suffering mental health issues, and its all down to Streetwise, without it i would never have had the confidence to sing infront of anyone, We all love you all too bits up here in the Newcastle Matt, take care and thanks again, Hope we can all get together again soon.Bye Bye

Hi Bridgette and all in the North East! Thanks for your lovely message and that’s great news about ‘Over the Edge’. What a brilliant idea! I’m coming up to Newcastle to visit Virginia House and Byker Bridge next Wed (30th Sept) and hope to see lots of you there. Hello too to everyone in Middlesbrough, Manchester, Notts, Luton and London. Hope to see you all soon.
We’re still working on plans for the 2010 show – due to start in spring 2010 and then a big showcase involving everyone in the winter!
Cheers
Matt

Hi Matt and gang, just stumbled on the on Kananga TV. (must bring my headphones next time), Does this mean we’re big in Japan?. I also see people are performing in London On November 14th . I hope its not a case of after the Lord Mayor’s show.

Hi Stephen – yes we did some work in Japan for a couple of weeks in the summer – workshops and some training and presentations of My Secret Heart which went down very well. The homeless situation out there is really interesting (see the International Links page on this site). We are indeed part of the Lord Mayor’s Show on 14th Nov. It’s live on the BBC apparently!
Cheers
Matt

Congratulations on yet another quality award it shows the level of commitment that you put into your shows we went to the Media trusts volunteers party last week and the people there were totally amazed at the quality of the production even though there was only a handful of people there so keep up the good work Matt and the rest of the team hope to see you soon matt during the rehersals for The Marriage of Figaro and keep the dream alive

Thanks Ken – the award is really for all the Streetwise performers who get on stage and knock the audiences for 6! Despite everything you face outside workshops and rehearsals, you keep on showing everyone what you can achieve. It’s totally inspiring. I only picked up the award on your behalf!
Cheers
Matt
PS Well done Connections for being shortlisted for the 2009 Andy Ludlow Homelessness Award

Hi everyone – as you know by now the CD is out! And it sounds fabulous! Congratulations to all of you for some great singing. Everyone involved will be receiving CDs before Christmas and if you’re worried about how you will get them, let us know. We’ve decided to create a highlights CD of the best tracks and try to sell those to raise some funds for the charity.
All the best
Matt

A Happy Christmas to everyone.
From Matt and the team at the office

A Merry Xmas to evryone ! Matt you said the pictures that were submitted for the CD cover were going to be published online when will this happen thanks

omg we hav a forum!!!!! woooo!!!!!!!!!!!
ok what i mean to say is: MATT PEACOCK DESERVES A KNIGHTHOOD AND YOU KNOW IT!

Congratulations to Streetwise for picking up all these prestigious awards and its worldwide recognition which it seems to be now gaining, and well deserved. Special thanks to Matthew, JJ, Sharon, Nicola, Rob and all the workshop team members and wonderful management staff for their hard work with us which has made this possible. Special thanks to Matthew Peacock for his astute planning and care in bringing Streetwise to the fore and giving us all the opportunity of realizing all our dreams. Looking forward to this new and exciting season with sincere enthusiasm.
Elizabeth

Thanks Elizabeth and Maria and a belated Happy New Year to everyone. YOU are the ones we should thank for working so hard and conquering everything in your paths.
A big congrats to those who took part in our first Open Mic Night in London last week. Amazing performances from Mada, Kevin, Ken R, David K, David W, Isabelle, Sarah, Ken W and Joy.
Also I was at an amazing performance given by the Streetwise Choir in Newcastle earlier in Jan at the Discovery Museum infront of the Lord Mayor. You totally blew the audience away and I had a flood of comments about how amazing you all are.
Looking forward to hearing the Middlesbrough group at Northern Stage this month and I’m hoping to come up to Nottingham and Luton soon!
Keep the messages coming!
Matt

Hello everyone. The Fables project has started and thanks to the Manchester and Notts groups and the London Crisis and Luton group for their brilliant work on the first Devising Days. We had a great time and the composers and filmmakers are really looking forward to creating these new film operas with you. Looking forward to seeing everyone in the North East on 21 May and the other London groups later in May or the start of June.
Matt

Hi all – check out the Fables blog in the news section of our website. I’m trying to keep it updated – let me know what you think!

By the way it’s been amazing seeing quite a few performance recently. I though the NOAH’s Sea Change was really amazing atmospheric. Well done Tom for writing it with the group and I loved Tommy’s poetry. The Booth Centre group were fantastic at Manchester Cathedral last week – the Booth Centre Blues was particularly excellent! And finally the Newcastle Open Mic night was just heart-stoppingly amazing. Everyone sang so beautifully and it was so nice to hear regulars like Marie, Bridgette, Katherine, Chris, Dave and Stephen sing with newer performers like Bridget and Toni. Drew’s poem was wonderful too.
Matt

The Power of People through Music

A gathering of voices all singing aloud,
streetwise performers from all kind of backgrounds,
extraordinary talent with songs to sing,
performance with passion and enthusiasm,
melody sang with emotion and meaning,
harmony sang with expression and feeling,
an inspired choir of people join in song,
where novice and professional singers are together as one.

By Drew Foster (11.5.2010), written for Streetwise Opera Open Mic Night at Clocktower Cafe, Hoults Yard.

Thanks Drew – your reading of this poem at the Open Mic Night is something I’ll never forget. Thanks for sharing your beautiful words.
Matt

Hello all – hope everyone is enjoying the Fables project. All the sessions I’ve been to have been amazing. Hope the North East recording went well yesterday!
As you know we’ve got into the finals of the National Lottery Awards and i’m sure you’re busy voting! Congratulations to everyone. It’s a fantastic testament to your work. Please tell everyone you know to vote!
We really wanted one of the performers in My Secret Heart to be at the finals since that is the project that has been given the recognition. We tried to make this as fair as possible and pulled out the Middlesbrough group out of the hat – we then asked the group who could come down to London and I’m delighted to say that Darren said he would. Watch out for him and some of the Streetwise staff looking nervous on 4 Sept in the evening on BBC 1!
Matt

there is a version of the MAKING OF MSH documentary on Youtube….with SOUND!!!!!!! found it yesterday….then posted the fact on my facebook status!!!!!!!!

Thanks Maria – just noticed that it’s not on our site. Here is the You Tube link for anyone interested
http://www.youtube.com/user/streetwiseopera#p/u/12/7RMoT1ZDjH4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g1RleTxY-dw

Nice to know I’m currently in AUSTRALIA without even leaving my seat! Hope they enjoy my company!!!!!!
Please let them know they’re welcome to visit Streetwise Nottingham any time! Thankyou

Streetwise Opera performer from London William Lyttle sadly passed away this year. William had been involved in many Streetwise Opera performances and productions including My Secret Heart, Critical Mass and the Lord Mayor’s Show in 2009 which was televised on the BBC.

Here are the kind words and poems his friends and fellow Streetwise Opera perfomers have written.

—

Noble
Nobility of mind – Noble
Nobility of spirit – Noble
Nobility of thought – Noble
Nobility of countenance – Noble
A noble man, marked by his deeds and actions
Determined by his thoughts
Marked by his stance
Determined by his countenance
A noble man is simple, benevolent man
And yet he moves on the higher stratosphere
A man worth knowing
Noble

Elizabeth Peach June

—

William was a great bloke, definitely unique, and part of out team.

Bryan

—

Sleep on until the sun shines on,
It will as yesterday when you were woken.

—

We will miss him – though we hope God no longer will be.

—

Dear William,

I always will remember you asking to respect me thinks and after make me smile. You was great.

Yours sincerely,
Martine

—

William, my friend
A magical door
Seen only by those
He allowed to

A door opened
Just for those
He called friends

The memoir…
A blond piano…
His music…his love too…
The secret…
Child…
A shadow of who
Chose comfort and gold

Willian, my Dear
Unique character
Full of sarcasm
Irony and humour

Who will cheer?
My performances…as prayer?
Who will remember me?
How proud would be my father?

I do remember
That character
“Scarecrow”…with one arm
Lower than another

The best performances ever
William will be remembered
For that amazing acting from
His heart forever

William was born
Wild and free spirit

His friends cry for him
His friends miss him
His friends see the illusion of him
His friends smile to his memory

Farewell Dear friend!
Sleep well
In God’s coddle!

Beatrice

—

A star is shining in the sky forever because your spirit never dies and will always stay with us from the heaven.

Mimi

—

William was great company to be with, always full of energy, encouraging everyone to join in the activities. He seemed so young at the heart almost as a boy. Will be surely missed.

Inder

—

A thoroughly enjoyably bonkers man! Will be sorely missed maybe I’ll sink a pint of the black stuff to ya.

From your honourably white man,
Richard

—

I will miss you William. I will always remember the good times; we had loads of good times.

Kieran

Just had some amazing poems from Elizabeth Peach. Here is one…

A Smile

Starting out the day with a
smile, more adn more smiles
fill the day, from people all
around, making it more
pleasant adn more enjoyable -
A Smile

Elizabeth does write some beautiful poems though…:D

Cleaners ‘n Healers by Tommy Thompson

Tears will tear you apart
Tears will fill you with joy
Tears will rip at your resilience
Tears will

Tears can fill a void
Tears can empty as quickly
Tears can console, cleanse
Tears can

Tears are there to heal
Tears are there to let off steam
Tears are there to repair
Tears are

The Royal Courts of Justice by Beatriz

So Majestic, your walls, oh my love!
So deep your sorrow!
So icy your eyes!

The fourth of December
Of two thousand and nine
A night dressed a chilly wind
Whirling around
In a frenzied dance

From Paddington
The bus number fifteen
Saluting Piccadilly….Beauty of sun
Westend swirling in the brain
Heart……empty……in pain

Absent minded
I turned my head
To my left side….
At random

Like a tombstone
In darkness
Your huge image
Arising slowly
In the most beautiful
Architecture made
Probably by God’s hands

In prayer
My soul begging
A miracle for your life

Thump…..Thump…..Thump
Progression beat of your heart

I gently closed my eyes
In gratitude with heavens

I was in love

The engine started… I said very low
‘Good night my love!’

In Fleet Street
You blew the loving words
In my face as a smog

You added
“Good night my sweet love!”

Sunshine by Elizabeth Peach

Everywhere was dark, then suddenly, bit by bit, the sun came shining through.
It started with a tiny glow, then grew
into a canopy of light – a burst of Golden rays. Everything was bathed
in this shimmering light.

Everything changed for the better -
in this golden light. Colours that once
were dull are now brighter and
lovlier than before. People with
dull countenances before, now smiled
besides themselves.

Light shimmering rays were bursting
forth in all directions – causing the
leaves of trees to look greener than
ever – the grass as well, and flowers
were more vibrant in colour. The birds
were chirping in the trees, in welcome of
this lovely atmosphere.

This is sunshine bursting out.
Bursting out in all directions -
Making everything more beautiful.
Marvellous sunshine, gorgeous
SUNSHINE.

i is loving the streetwisae choir at the sage gateshead at the minute have met load of fab people there and will be continueing to join in for the for seeable future thnk yto the streetwise team such as simon fionna and the rest of the gang making it possible thank u thank u thaank u see us all next week

what’s this I hear about Dtreetwise OPENING the 2012 Olympics????? OMG that’ll be AMAZING!!!!

supposed to say “Streetwise” lol…

Well we’re not exactly opening the Olympics but we’re part of the official celebrations! As you probably know the event is called With One Voice on 2 July at the Royal Opera House featuring the Streetwise groups plus another 200 performers who have experienced homelessness! Can’t wait!
http://www.with1voice.org.uk