SILVER ELECTRA – JUNE 1/DIFFERENT – JUNE 2
A tale of mystery and a story of friendship are set to take to the stage as young people and their families are encouraged to give opera a try with two very different productions in Norwich.
The first is Silver Electra, which is performed in the Peter Wilson Auditorium at Stage Two on Thursday 1 June at 11am. Set in 1937, it begins as the famous pilot Amelia Earhart has gone missing in her silver electra plane just as she approaches the final leg of a round-the-world flight.
It then moves forward 40 years to Australia where an elderly woman discovers a jar of freckle cream on the beach. Could this offer a clue to Amelia’s disappearance?
Aimed at all the family, this 60 minute production combines a look at female pioneers with the issues surrounding memory loss and dementia. Its visit to Norwich follows the success of previous family operas Laika The Spacedog and Shackleton’s Cat which were performed in the city.
The company will also present a brand new production for audiences with special educational needs on Friday 2 June, also in the Peter Wilson Auditorium in Stage Two.
Different tells the story of Polish twins Romek and Tomek and their dog Peaches who live a happy life in their tents in the woods. They are disturbed by the arrival of stranger who is hungry. Although initially suspicious of her, the bond between the three of them strengthens as they face challenges together.
The opera was devised by the composer Llwelyn ap Myrddin and Key Club, a group of young adults with high functioning autism or Asperger syndrome. Packed with fun and colour, the show invites the audience to get fully immersed and involved in the action.
John Bultitude, of Norwich Theatre Royal, said: “These two productions build on English Touring Opera’s strong pedigree of creating successful work for many different audiences. Both of them can be enjoyed by young people of all abilities by stimulating interactivity and encouraging the audience to fully participate.”
Listing:
Silver Electra, Stage Two at Norwich Theatre Royal, Thursday 1 June at 11am. Tickets £10 adults and £5 for under-18s
Different, Stage Two at Norwich Theatre Royal, Friday 2 June at 11am. Tickets £7.50
To book, log onto www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk or call the box office on 01603 630000