The Mayor of Thurrock, Cllr Charlie Curtis, had a two trips top the opera in recent days.
As well as visiting the live large screen Royal Opera House production of Cinderella at Purfleet, he was equally impressed by a literally small production too.
On 7 July he visited Shaw Primary School in Avon Green, South Ockendon. The school has been working with the opera house on their production.
Cllr Curtis said: “We were treated to a fine production by the Year 5 pupils. They had been invited to the Royal Opera House a few weeks ago to see Cinderella and then went on to produce their own opera, called Heroes.
“They designed and made the scenery, they made their own costumes and their own music. It was a really uplifting, amazing and impressive project.”
Head teacher, Dawn Copping, added: “We were absolutely delighted that the Mayor and Mayoress were able to attend.
“The opera was produced, to completion, by the children and it was all linked to the National Curriculum.
“The children composed all the music, wrote the story lyrics, made props and scenery, designed everything from tickets to the puppets used in the performance.
“The event itself was wholly reliant on the children who played the instruments, acted as the characters, took charge of lighting, floor management and backstage activity.”
She added: “The structure of the Write an Opera project ensures that everyone is involved and they have fun learning. The project included visits from Royal Opera House professionals to help the children produce work of such a high quality.
“It also couldn’t have taken place without teachers Mrs Caron Barkins and Miss Angela Chitty who led on the Write an Opera project.”
