Over 90 schoolchildren to perform at Alnwick Playhouse

Pupils from four schools including Seahouses and Whittingham Primaries, as well as George Washington and John F Kennedy Primaries in Washington, will be performing in the concert which includes a narrative that has been specially written for the occasion by critically-acclaimed playwright, Emma Adams.

It tells the tale of Eddie, whose mother decides to show him why remembrance is so important, the production features a host of popular songs from the period including ‘Pack Up Your Troubles’, ‘It’s A Long Way to Tipperary’ and ‘Keep the Home Fires Burning’.

The children will be accompanied by professional musicians and choristers from the Chorus of Opera North. Baritone Alexander Robin Baker, who most recently appeared as the father in the Royal Opera House’s production of Coraline, takes on the role of narrator and soloist.

Jacqui Cameron, Education Director, Opera North, said: “Working together on this piece has opened up all kinds of discussions around conflict and the impact war has on individual families. The result is a very moving piece of work which weaves together the children’s singing with the story of a young man who is initially reluctant to commemorate WW1, but later realises its significance and the importance of valuing the people around him.

“The children have really enjoyed learning the popular songs of the time and are very excited about being performing them at such a fantastic local venue with members of the Chorus of Opera North.”

Tickets for the hour-long performance, which starts at 6pm, are availabel to buy online at www.alnwickplayhouse.co.uk

Opera North’s Big Sing: World War One is generously supported by Austin and Hope Pilkington Trust, Hays Travel Foundation, The Kirkby Laing Foundation, The Linden Charitable Trust, N. Smith Charitable Settlement, and, in Alnwick, The Hedley Denton Charitable Trust.