When conductor Lachlan Massey found a book about Lennie Gwyther in the souvenir shop at the Sydney Opera House, it was practically begging to be turned into a stage show.
“The book was called The Bridge, by Peter Lalor,” said Lachlan. “One of the short stories was about nine-year-old Lennie in 1932. He was asked what he would like as a reward for helping his family, and he said he wanted to ride his horse up to Sydney to see the opening of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. His journey was instantly inspiring, and I thought…what could be a better basis for a show?”
It was initially composed as a song cycle for children’s choir, and now it’s a full-blown theatre show, with a set design by the clever Riley Tapp. The show premiered at the Sydney Opera House back in May and is headed to BMEC in August, with a cast of incredible young singers, including soprano Sophie Blades, a grand finalist in the IFAC Handa Australian Singing Competition.
Lachlan founded The Children’s Opera Project in 2018 and is looking forward to bringing this unique blend of theatre, music and comedy to the stage in Bathurst. “Most kids think the idea of an opera sounds a little quaint…but this show is designed to be hilarious, engaging and very lively. This combination of elements has made this a great production to bring kids and grandkids to.”
Lennie’s Great Adventure comes to BMEC on 13 August. Recommended for primary school-aged kids (5-12), but suitable for the whole family.
