A Rotherham Opera, a new creation inspired by Mozart’s The Magic Flute and built from the imagination of thousands of local children. More than 2,000 children helped create the show, which 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.
The production is described as the UK’s largest community opera to date, with the Royal Ballet and Opera, Rotherham Music, and the storytelling charity Grimm & Co collaborating. Since the start of the year, more than 45 schools across the borough took part in storytelling, composition and design workshops to craft the music and narrative. The final plot reimagines Rotherham and follows Pidge, a local legend who discovers a magical tap with the power to release the town’s hidden stories.
The performances will include students from 27 schools across the borough. 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.” Leanne Wagstaff from Swinton Queen Primary School added: “I’ve never taught opera before, 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.” Helen Winfield, another teacher at the school, noted: “Giving children all the opportunities in life beyond the academic is just as important as their English and maths.”
The project forms part of the Royal Ballet and Opera’s 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.”
