What M6 Theatre Company is doing differently this year

Photo: Lewis Wileman

When We Started Singing tells the story of Mr Popple (Declan Wilson), an elderly man whose acts of kindness bring his community together

Rochdale-based M6 Theatre has created a brand-new British Sign Language-interpreted film - 'When We Started Singing' - to be sent off to thousands of Key Stage 2 pupils across the country.

When We Started Singing began life as one of the winning entries in M6’s lockdown monologue writing competition. Written by Mike Peacock about elderly Mr Popple, who learns the value of community and kindness, the piece was then developed into a film with a song and additional activities to support the recovery curriculum.
 

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M6 Theatre usally welcomes hundreds of local schoolchildren at this time of year for a performance and workshop as part of The Linking Network, which sees two different schools join together for special lessons to promote equality and community.

This year, classes taking part also have the added bonus of a special online workshop with Participatory Director Caroline Kennedy, with the film and activity package becoming available to all Rochdale schoolchildren later in the year.

M6’s Artistic Director Gilly Baskeyfield said: “Our film and activity package provides a safe space for children to reflect on a shared lockdown experience, reconnect with each other and, most importantly, make friends.

“It’s a unifying celebration of everything that matters - friendship, community, diversity… and singing!"

M6 brought a variety of talent to the project, including filmmaker Nick Farrimond, composer James Atherton, who wrote the catchy main song, and BSL interpreter Rebekah Mills Strawson, featuring a tutorial helping children to sing along. 

Mr Popple is portrayed by Declan Wilson whilst a diverse group of professional artists and youth theatre members play the neighbours on Mr Popple’s street.

When We Started Singing premieres in schools on Monday 2 November.

For further information, please contact M6 Theatre on 01706 355898 or email admin@m6theatre.co.uk.