NORFOLK SCHOOLS PROJECT – NOVEMBER 6
Three schools are set to harness their creative skill and premiere new operas on stage at Norwich Theatre Royal this winter.
Pupils at Little Plumstead Primary School, Salhouse Primary School and Neatishead Primary School are using Madama Butterfly as the inspiration for their productions.
They are working with professional opera singers, musicians and acting tutors to write songs, create a plot and perform their compositions which will be seen for the first time at Norwich Theatre Royal on Sunday November 6 at 2.30pm.
As well as enjoying this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, they will also get the chance to see Glyndebourne’s acclaimed production of the Puccini opera too.
While this gives the pupils the chance to be creative and improve both their singing and acting skills, there are lots of other benefits too. Victoria Jenkins, education manager (projects) at Norwich Theatre Royal, added: “It also helps young people improve their self-esteem, communication and team-work skills, as well as create a fantastic memory of stepping onto the professional stage to perform their work.”
Sonia Innes, head teacher at Little Plumstead Primary School, is delighted to be involved. She said: “The Norfolk Schools Project is something that we have wanted to do for a long time and this opportunity is great for the children.
“We are linking Madama Butterfly into lots of subjects across the curriculum. The pupils are doing a great job putting their words into song and singing them.
“They are really developing as a group, improving their speech and listening to each other. This project is a great challenge for them to use their skills in different ways.”
And the pupils agree. Nine-year-old Jamie Brunswick said: “I really enjoy throwing ideas around and manipulating them into a song. It has made me feel much more confident.”
Fellow pupil Grace Long, 10, added: “My singing has got a lot better and it has helped me get over my nerves. I will be really nervous going on stage but we are all going to be ready for it.”

Listing:
Norfolk Schools Project, Sunday November 6 at 2.30pm. Tickets are free but must be booked in advance from the Box Office in person or by calling 01603 630000.