M6 Theatre Company will be streaming a brand-new short film for families on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th November 2020.
When We Started Singing for ages 5+ and families tells the story of Mr Popple (Declan Wilson), an elderly man whose acts of kindness bring his community together during lockdown. Written by Mike Peacock, the film began life as one of the winning entries in M6’s lockdown monologue writing competition. The theatre company went on to work with film maker Nick Farrimond to develop the piece.
M6’s Artistic Director Gilly Baskeyfield said: “Usually at this time of year we’d be creating a performance for schools which would then be toured to venues across the country. This year we’ve had to do things a little differently. When We Started Singing reflects on a shared lockdown experience and we feel so immensely proud of it. It’s a unifying short celebration of everything that matters – friendship, community, diversity…and singing!”
Photo: Lewis Wileman
A group of professional artists and M6 youth theatre members play the neighbours on Mr Popple’s street, with a star turn from Rochdale-based tortoise Roman. The film is underscored by composer James Atherton, who has also written an ear worm of a song to bring the story to its joyous conclusion.
When We Started Singing will be available to watch through the M6 website on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th November at 11am and 4pm. The Sunday morning screening will include full BSL interpretation from Rebekah Mills Strawson. For further information visit www.m6theatre.co.uk
Based in Rochdale, M6 Theatre Company is one of Britain’s longest established and leading touring theatre companies specialising in creating original theatre work for young audiences. Productions tour regionally, nationally and internationally. www.m6theatre.co.uk/latest/wwss