SCOTTISH Opera’s new musical adventure is set to charm younger children this winter as they are invited to help bewildered Farmer MacNeep find his lost sheep.
Specially devised for children aged three to five, this fun-filled show features a mix of storytelling, singing, live music and puppetry.
Mister MacNeep Has Lost His Sheep! tells the wintry tale of two sheep – Barry and Barbara – who are lost outside on the snowiest, windiest night of the year. While the clever pair build themselves a cosy cave in the snow to await rescue, Farmer MacNeep, his trusty side kick Flossie the sheep dog and a host of farmyard buddies set out to find the lost duo.
The 45 minute show is the perfect introduction to live performance for younger children, with lots of opportunities for them to contribute as the search for the lost sheep progresses.
It will be performed at the Eastgate Theatre in Peebles on Saturday, December 20, at 11am and 2pm, and the Newlands Centre at Romanno Bridge on Sunday, December 21, at 11am and 2pm.
Scottish Opera’s Director of Education and Outreach Jane Davidson told the Peeblesshire News: “We’ve built in lots of panto-style audience participation that we know children of this age love – counting songs, animal noises, even some dancing.
And, as they work with Farmer MacNeep and Flossie to help find the lost sheep, they’re learning the importance of working as part of a team and of friends looking out for one other.” Written for Scottish Opera by acclaimed children’s writer Ross Stenhouse, the story and songs use rhymes, counting and a good dose of daft humour to help younger children really get involved.
The music by Gareth Williams, written while Composer in Residence at Scottish Opera, is played live and features a cello and a whole host of interesting percussion instruments including vibraphone, kazoo, marimba and even a miniature piano to evoke a range of settings from the chill of a stormy winter’s night to the warmth of Mister MacNeep’s farmhouse.
Tickets are available online at www.scottishopera.org.uk
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