Wolverhampton pupils do Grand job with opera

Twelve youngsters from East Park School in the city teamed up with the ETO to perform in La Bohéme, a story of 19th century Parisian street life.

School headmaster and arts council member, Nick Sullivan co-ordinated with the theatre to give his pupils the opportunity to perform in the one-off show at the theatre in Lichfield Street.

Mr Sullivan said: "Theatre is a life gift. It's an amazing experience for the students to take part and exposing them at an early age to high culture will help set them up for life.

"The children and staff at East Park Primary fully appreciate how fortunate they were to have such a proactive partnership with ETO team. For the pupils taking part it will be life changing and some could go on to have careers in theatre and showbusiness."

The children, all aged from eight to 11, had been recruited especially for the tour to sing as a children's chorus of street urchins in Puccini's classic opera, which stars soprano Sky Ingram.

For some, it was the first time they had performed in a theatre but others had taken part with their school in Zeppelin Dreams last year, which had been created by ETO and the Grand Theatre especially for Wolverhampton. Mr Sullivan added: "We are so lucky to have the Grand Theatre in Wolverhampton. It gives the city it's energy, it helps the economic well being and gives people the opportunity to go out and enjoy the arts.

"The Grand have also been great to allow the students to take part in the opera.

"More schools could also take part in theatre but they don't, the arts are often looked over."

Tim Yealland, ETO head of education, speaking on the event, added: "It is fantastic for us to have a dozen talented children from East Park Primary school perform with us in La Bohéme.

"Their energy and enthusiasm will perfectly complement the story of Parisian street life in the 19th century."