Leisure: Greenwich Performs launches this autumn

A new arts festival launches in the heart of Greenwich this Autumn.

Greenwich Performs is a celebration of all the arts. It brings together classical music, jazz, Shakespeare, children’s theatre, poetry, contemporary theatre, a Vegan Oktoberfest and a community Fun Palace.

There are appearances by Greenwich resident Blake Morrison, who will be presenting an anthology of prose and poetry based on South East London, and Michael Frayn, who will be discussing his play Here, which is being revived by director James Haddrell at Greenwich Theatre.

Musical highlights include chamber choir, Canticum at the Queen’s House, the English Piano Trio at St Alfege Church and a Coffee and Chamber Music morning at the White House in Crooms Hill.

Dance magic comes courtesy of Gracefool Collective at the Laban Building, and Chantry Dance at Greenwich Theatre with their mesmerising new ballet version of Dracula – Welcome to D’s.

Greenwich Open Studios are inviting everybody in to the Greenwich Gallery and there are guided walks in Greenwich and Greenwich Park, free recitals at the Old Royal Naval College Chapel and St Alfege church, and tours of some of most the historic houses in Greenwich.

Performances are taking place at Greenwich Theatre, the Old Royal Naval College, St Alfege Church, Oliver’s Jazz Bar, the Queen’s House and the Laban Building.

The festival started on Sunday with Handel’s Esther at St Alfege church, plus fireworks and songs from the Rock Choir at The Point.

The middle weekend sees the Fun Palace of family activities spring up at Rothbury Hall, curated by Emergency Exit Arts, who are also staging the opening night fireworks at The Point alongside an amazing Rock Choir.

Greenwich Performs is supported by the Peter Harris Trust. l Find out more and book tickets at www.visitgreenwich.org.uk/greenwich performs