Press Release
Bobby an Da Burland Pearls
“Bobby is da excited. He’s gaein tae da Burland Croft in Trondra. An he has a secret tae keep fae aabody. Bobby has da magic pearls his granda wears under his boiler – suit. Will Bobby hear da animals speak? Onything might happen……”
Sometimes an idea’s so good, it just keeps on growing.
For the last few years, the Schools Service, in conjunction with other organisations, has been bringing Scottish Opera to perform in Shetland. They were so inspired by their inventive and educational work for 4 – 6 yr olds that they decided to create a piece of their own, using Shetland dialect.
Valerie Watt’s new book Bobby an da Burland Pearls, became the catalyst for the new creation. Izzy Swanson, SIC Schools Service Drama Co-ordinator, adapted the story for the stage and Phillip Taylor wrote music for the new dialect songs.
The set design is being created by David Wagstaff and based on the original drawings by Mary Fraser. Mary is so keen on the idea that she is even making some of the props! Izzy Anderson is leading an enthusiastic and skilled team of puppet makers (a crocheted sheep?) and operators, whilst a host of well-known local voices will be bringing the whole lot to life.
The performances themselves are a mix of live action and puppetry, with the audience being encouraged to sing along with the cast in places. All of this was made possible largely by funding from the Youth Music Initiative, Scottish Arts Council.
“This is just the beginning, says Izzy Swanson, the performances and the accompanying education packs are to be used as springboards for all sorts of other ideas, and we hope to develop the whole package further in the future.”
Councillor Rick Nickerson adds, “Bobby an da Burland Pearls, both book and musical demonstrate the breadth of talent we have in Shetland. It is a great showcase for dialect.”
Whilst performances are going on all week for no less than 21 schools, the only public performance will take place in Gulberwick Hall on Saturday 3rd July at 2 pm. If you would like to bring your bairns to this performance tickets are available from Shetland Box Office phone 01595 745555 to find out more.
Valerie and Mary launched the book and signed copies in The Shetland Times Bookshop on Saturday 26th July. Copies will also be on sale after the public performance on Saturday 3rd July.