The Classical Road Show
Children and orchestras in concert

Widecombe Fair Cadogan Hall March 2009 with The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

"The songs were fabulous...We really appreciate being able to be part of such a great show." Deputy Head, St Matthew's School

Thrilling musical theatre performed by professional orchestra,
actors, a ballet school
and SCHOOL CHILDREN singing throughout from their audience seats

Widecombe Fair is a gripping tale of smuggling, wrecking and romance, set in the early 19th century on the Devon coast; history re-created with a touch of poetic licence. The drama unfolds, narrated by actors, brilliantly illustrated by the orchestra and of course, sung by our entire audience of children.

On 19 May 2008, we presented Dreamtime Tales by Richard Brown (music) and Nigel Williams  (lyrics), a musical celebration of Aboriginal folklore, composed for Classical Road Show with funds from the Millennium Festival’s Awards for All scheme.  It was premiered to great acclaim in Guildford in 2000, conducted by the composer. 

For the May 2008 performance, almost 2,000 children took part in song, accompanied by The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, with narration by two young stars from Lord of the Rings, Michael Rouse and Rosalie Craig.   The primeval throb of the didgeridoo played by John Elliott emerged mystically from Brown’s rich orchestral score in a hair-raising moment, one of many to treasure.  A vivid backcloth set the scene, painted by teams of Boxgrove Primary children led by artist and designer, Maureen Giddings. This pro/am project gives children rare and exciting opportunities well outside any school curriculum.

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This production was sponsored by

On 26 May 2006, we presented Zambezi Tales by Richard Brown, with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in Cadogan Hall, London.  This enchanting piece is based on animal folk tales from Zimbabwe and Zambia, mostly from the Shona and Tonga tribes. The stories are richly varied - they embrace elephants, vultures and warthogs. Some are funny, some are rather sinister, but they are all full of the special magic of African tribal legends.

The children were required to sing, make animal noises and even chant in Bantu!  A percussion group was featured on stage, drawn from the participating schools, playing on original African instruments lent by the composer. Our professional percussionist visited these schools beforehand to give them lively rehearsals.  An optional art project gave guidance on the creation of African tribal shields and masks.

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