Primary pupilsare inBurns opera

Pupils from two Stirling area primary schools are set to channel their inner Bard.

Primary five, six and seven classes from Dollar Academy and Beaconhurst School in Bridge of Allan will rehearse and perform an opera based on Robert Burns’ iconic Tam o’ Shanter.

The youngsters will be among thousands of children from across Scotland taking part in the performances courtesy of Scottish Opera’s annual primary schools tour.

Shows, which are designed re-introduce the works of the celebrated poet to younger people, will see pupils stage a fully-costumed showpiece in front of their family and friends.

Schools are provided with a teachers’ support pack to help introduce the songs to pupils in advance while a team of Scottish Opera performers and arts education specialists will spend a day rehearsing with the children.

The story follows farmer Tam o’ Shanter as he makes his way home from market day with his faithful horse Meg. As the night grows darker, and the rain falls, he finds himself outside a church where he discovers a coven of witches dancing. However, he is spotted by one of them and he and Meg must run for their lives.

Jane Davidson, director of outreach and education at Scottish Opera, said: “Our children’s operas make learning both enjoyable and challenging, giving pupils the opportunity to participate in a high-quality, day-long music theatre workshop that ends with a performance for parents and guests.”