Opera created by children to premiere in town

Children taking part in the event have been practising their opera singing

More than 2,000 children have helped create a new opera to celebrate Rotherham, which will premiere later.

The show, inspired by Mozart's The Magic Flute, is titled Tales Untapped: A Rotherham Opera and will be performed on Tuesday and Wednesday at the Magna Science Adventure Centre as part of the town's Children's Capital of Culture festival.

It will feature storylines, songs, choreography, sets and performances created by local children alongside the Royal Ballet and Opera, Rotherham Music and the storytelling charity Grimm & Co.

Liam O'Shea, community music manager at Rotherham Music, said: "It's a celebration of the imagination, talent, and artistry of young people across the borough."

He said the production was the UK's largest community opera to date

Since the start of the year, more than 45 schools from across the borough have taken part in storytelling, composition and design workshops to help create the show's music and narrative, he added.

The final plot of Tales Untapped is set in a reimagined Rotherham and follows Pidge, a local legend who discovers a mysterious, magical tap with the power to release the town's hidden stories.

The performances will include students from 27 schools across the borough.

Leanne Wagstaff, from Swinton Queen Primary School, said preparing for the show was a "daunting" prospect.

"I've never taught opera before," she said.

"But we had a training day with the Royal Ballet and Opera, which really helped.

"I'm not very good at singing generally but you don't have to be fantastic. It's how you project your voice and sing to the beat of the song."

She added: "Some of the songs are very funny too, which the children have enjoyed."

Helen Winfield, another teacher at the school, added: "Giving children all the opportunities in life beyond the academic is just as important as their English and maths."

The performances will take place at the Magna Science Adventure Centre

The project is part of the Royal Ballet and Opera's new four-year initiative to increase access to arts education in Rotherham and Bradford.

Jillian Barker, director of learning and participation at the organisation, said: "This pioneering project is about opening up opera to young people.

"From the storyline to the set design, every idea in Tales Untapped comes from Rotherham's young people, supported by our experienced creative team.

"The result is a joyful, original reflection of their voices, imagination, and pride in their town."

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