The Blog

BRUNEL: THE LITTLE MAN IN THE TALL HAT, JULY 2016: History + Information
July 9th and 10th sees an exciting revival of the one Act Opera ‘Brunel: The Little Man in the Tall Hat’ supported by Steam as a highlight of the Swindon175 celebrations.

Originally commissioned by the JTPTrust in 2006 for the Brunel200 South West Celebrations in St Mark’s Church Swindon, this 2016 performance of the Opera features talented Adults and Children from the local Community

The Opera is composed by Betty Roe MBE with well researched libretto by Marion Lines. It tells the story of the life of Isambard Kingdom Brunel as revealed through the chatter of the Swindon railway workers and their families as they travel on the annual ‘Trip’ train to St Ives in Cornwall.

Engineers Daniel Gooch, George Stephenson, JS Russell and Dr Lardner all make an appearance, played by local singers David Casey, Tom Mullins, Philip Jones and Shaun Holley.

IK Brunel himself will be played by Royal Welsh College of Music student William Pearson, a young singer who played the Boy Brunel in the 2006 production. Brunel’s family are played by local soloists Natalie Chequer, Stephanie Walsh and Lydiard Park Academy Vice Principal Jonathan Young.

Chorus singers include the Adult Community Singers, the JTPTrust Singers and dancers from Lydiard Park Academy. Other features of the Opera include an appearance of a real model train courtesy of the Blunsdon and Cricklade Railway

Join the Factory Workers and their families on the ‘Trip’Train at ‘Steam’ on Saturday 9 July or Sunday 10th July and experience the Noise of the Iron Foundery, Ghosts of Box, and and the excitement of crossing the Tamar into Cornwall.

This one hour Community Opera is an occasion not to be missed for Opera lovers and Railway Buffs alike!

Tickets for the three performances at Steam Museum are on sale at the Wyvern Theatre Box Office 01793 524481
Janice Thompson
Singing Teacher and Vocal Coach
Director JTPTrust (Charity 1101723)
www.aotos.org.uk
www.jtptrust.org