On 25 and 26 November 2025, more than 1,500 young people will perform the opera at the Magna Science Adventure Centre, alongside a cast of professional singers and orchestra.
Inspired by Mozart’s ‘The Magic Flute’, the work has been co-designed with young people across Rotherham, using storytelling, composition and design workshops to create key thematic material for the opera.
Children aged 8-10 from ten local primary schools across the borough have been working with Grimm & Co. to develop the story of Tales Untapped with help from Royal Ballet And Opera (RBO) librettists.
Gemma Thornton, Head of Learning & Impact at Grimm & Co, explained: “We’ve been helping Year 4 and 5 students create a unique opera that reflects their experiences […] RBO will now use the five stories to create an opera that celebrates the creativity and imagination of the students.”
Joanne O’Neill, Year 5 teacher at Crags Community School, said: “For my students, many with special educational needs, this project was a welcome change from regular lessons. It showed them that their imaginations can take them anywhere and empowered children who don’t see themselves as 'writers' to help craft a story that will be performed."
For the sets and costumes, yYoung people from schools and colleges across the borough participated in RBO's Design Challenge, including Brinsworth Academy, Rotherham College, Sir Thomas Wharton Academy, St Bernard’s Catholic High School, Wath Academy and Wickersley School and Sports College.
This ambitious production is a partnership between Royal Ballet And Opera, Rotherham Music, Grimm & Co. and Children's Capital of Culture.
Rotherham Music website
Images: James Mulkeen / Rotherham Children's Capital of Culture
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