The Lakeside Theatre was packed for the world premiere of Omeros by Nobel Laureate Derek Walcott and the cast from Shakespeare's Globe Theatre have been talking about their experiences developing the show at the Colchester Campus.

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Jade Anouka, who plays Helen of Troy amongst a number of other characters, said: "Being here at Lakeside has been wonderful. We have been looked after so well and it has been a great experience. The theatre is beautiful and it is such a wonderful thing to have here on campus and it is doing great things. It must be great to have the world premiere of a play like Omeros here before it even goes to London."

Joseph Marcell said: "It has been for me a terrific experience. We were welcomed with open arms and everyone has been caring for us. The reaction from the audience has been truly marvellous."

Marcell has been happy to speak to students who have spotted him around the Colchester Campus who remember him from his role as the butler Geoffrey in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and has used that connection to tempt them to come and discover Omeros.

The responses on Twitter have been incredible:

• "Beautifully performed. Wonderfully written. So so glad I saw it!"
• "Huge appreciation for #Omeros casts and a great privilege to see Joseph Marcell on the stage at @LakesideTheatre".
• "Every time I book a theatre ticket I hope for an experience like I had this evening. Staggering."

Jade Anouka

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The play is now transferring to the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse at the Globe Theatre site in London.