Tales Untapped: Rotherham’s Children-Led Opera Premieres at Magna

Tales Untapped is a new Rotherham community opera created by local children, premiering at the Magna Science Adventure Centre as part of the town's Children's Capital of Culture celebrations.

Rotherham is turning the spotlight on its young creators with Tales Untapped: A Rotherham Opera, a community show built largely by local pupils. From a workshop-driven idea to a full-scale stage project, it brings together school voices, dancers, and professional artists ahead of its Magna Centre premiere.

About the show

The production, inspired by Mozart's The Magic Flute, reimagines a familiar tale as a homegrown adventure for Rotherham, following a local legend named Pidge who discovers a magical tap that unlocks the town's hidden stories.

Over 2,000 children contributed to the creation process, with more than 45 schools taking part in storytelling, music, and design workshops since January. The show features performances by students from 27 schools alongside professional artists from the Royal Ballet and Opera and Grimm & Co.

Premiere details

The premiere runs on Tuesday and Wednesday at the Magna Science Adventure Centre as part of the Children's Capital of Culture festival, making it one of the country’s largest community operas to date.

People behind the project

Liam O'Shea, community music manager at Rotherham Music, said the project celebrates young talent and imagination across the borough. He noted it as the UK's largest community opera to date.

Leanne Wagstaff, a teacher from Swinton Queen Primary, described the process as daunting but worthwhile after a Royal Ballet-led training day. She highlighted that projecting voice and timing are key, and that some songs bring humor to the show. Helen Winfield added that expanding arts opportunities is as crucial as core subjects.

Young performers at a rehearsal in Rotherham — Rotherham students take centre stage in a new community opera

The project is part of a new four-year initiative by the Royal Ballet and Opera to widen access to arts education in Rotherham and Bradford, with Jillian Barker leading learning and participation. She said Tales Untapped reflects young people’s ideas, shaped by a supportive professional team, resulting in a joyful, original portrayal of their voices and pride in their town.

For more highlights, listeners can check INLIBER Sounds for clips and Look North recaps.

Key Takeaways

Thousands of local students helped shape Tales Untapped, making it one of the UK's largest community operas.
Workshops involved about 45 schools, with 27 onstage performances.
The premiere coincides with the Children's Capital of Culture festival at Magna Science Adventure Centre.
The project is part of a four-year arts education initiative with the Royal Ballet and Opera.

Expert perspective

Expert view: The project demonstrates how youth voices can drive inclusive arts, turning classrooms into performance spaces and bringing fresh ideas to the stage in real time.

Summary

Tales Untapped marks a milestone in community arts by foregrounding young creators and local pride. Through collaborative workshops and performances, the show blends local storytelling with professional artistry, offering a model for future arts education in towns like Rotherham.