Sidmouth pupils take to opera

PUPILS in Sidmouth joined the opera for a day, performing two songs with the English Touring Opera Company.

PUPILS in Sidmouth joined the opera for a day, performing two songs with the English Touring Opera Company.

Six members of the company visited St Nicholas Junior School, Woolbrook, to work with Year Six pupils and perform the Belly of the Horse, the third part of a trilogy of operas for children based on the story of the Trojan Horse.

Nick Kitchen, head of music, said: "The children were asked to learn two songs - The Aegean Sea about the voyage across the sea to Sparta and Belly about soldiers sitting in the belly of the horse.

"It was absolutely fantastic. The children loved it and are still talking about it a week later."

With four singers, a pianist and stage manager, the opera company really involved the children, gripping their imagination.

There were minimal props, including four wooden poles that when brought together formed a large horse's head.

An afternoon session for pupils from Sidbury Primary was joined by a Year Five class from St Nicks.

Mr Kitchen said: "The Year Fives had to learn the songs on the hoof but they enjoyed it as well.