Young people bring playful opera to life

Opera might seem like a grand art form reserved for big theatres and famous singers, but recently at Half Moon, 20 local young people proved it can also be playful, creative and full of imagination.

Across two lively days, participants took part in a free introductory opera workshop run in partnership with the D’Oyly Carte Opera Company. Led by professional artists, the group explored storytelling through music, drama and plenty of games, discovering how opera brings characters and stories to life.

From the start, the room was buzzing. Young people experimented with big emotions, bold characters and expressive voices, working together to create scenes and develop their own ideas. For many, it was their first experience of opera and by the end of the workshop they were performing with confidence and flair.

The highlight came in a short sharing for friends and family on the final afternoon. The group performed their own playful rewrite of the famous ‘Modern Major-General’ song from The Pirates of Penzance by Gilbert and Sullivan.

Instead of listing obscure historical facts like the original character, the young performers filled their version with the careers they dream of pursuing in the future, including scientists, singers, athletes and artists.

The result was funny, inventive and full of personality. It was a reminder that opera is not just about tradition, but also about creativity and storytelling that belongs to everyone.

The workshop was made possible thanks to the support of the D’Oyly Carte Opera Company and the D’Oyly Carte Charitable Trust, helping give young people in Tower Hamlets the chance to work with professional artists and try something new.

And families can enjoy a little operatic magic at Half Moon this weekend too.

On Saturday 28 March at 3.15pm, Half Moon hosts Cinema Chill: Peace at Last, a relaxed screening designed especially for younger audiences aged three to five. Inspired by the much-loved picture book by Jill Murphy, the story follows poor Mr Bear as he tries – and repeatedly fails – to get a good night’s sleep thanks to the many sounds of the night around him.

Performed by three singers with harp and woodwind, the charming production by OperaUpClose will be shown on the big screen in a laid-back, family-friendly setting.

Tickets are £5 and can be booked at halfmoon.org.uk

Stephen Beeny is Communications Manager at Half Moon.