Alice and the Library Tree

B’Opera

St George’s Church, Edgbaston

****

B’Opera magically transformed St George’s Church in Edgbaston, into a musical library at the weekend with a little help from opera singers Alice and the Fairy ‘Book’ Mother accompanied by a rather ‘foxy’ pianist.

After a sell-out run of performances at Sutton Coldfield Library and appearance in Sutton Park over the summer, Zoe Challenor, Phil Ypres-Smith and Jac White continue to create relaxed performances of their new show Alice and the Library Tree – A Curious Tale, complete with cushions and blankets for audience members to relax on.

If taking babies and toddlers to an Opera worries any parents then have no fear, as all members of the family are encouraged to get up and move their feet. Why not follow the characters through enchanting tunnels, join in with the singing and be free to take part in the story and even help to decorate the props? Participation is positively encouraged.

Young ears revelled in the drama as the adventure unfolded about Alice, an avid reader, who fights to reopen her beloved library after the evil Queen of Hearts condemns the building and takes away the only key.

There are fast costume changes, memorable songs to get your lungs around and as Alice learns to solve her predicament we realise this Fairy ‘Book’ Mother won’t just give you a new outfit to solve all your problems, you have to use your brain.

Incy Wincy Spider, The Hare and the Tortoise and a bunch of sticks teach Alice all the important life lessons she needs to succeed and with a sprinkling of audience magic the library is reopened, phew! We all love a happy ending.

However, it doesn’t necessarily end there, the story comes to a conclusion after about 40 minutes but everyone is then invited to stay and play in the play tent, read books in the library and talk to the cast. For an inclusive and interactive experience of Opera for all pre-schoolers and their grown-ups then look no further.

Join B’Opera for a relaxed concert of Falling Leaves on Friday October 4th at 10am at St George’s Church or A Winter Tale on Friday December 6th and Saturday December 7th 10am and 12.30pm.

Visit www.bopera.co.uk for tickets and more information.

Emma Trimble

07-09-19 

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