‘Giant’ show for little ones comes to the North West

Created specially by Memphis-based group Babu Press, this brand new show brings to life the story of mythical giant Finn MacCool.

The show will tour five primary schools in Derry on Thursday 4 and Friday 5 June before travelling to the Roe Valley Arts & Cultural Centre in Limavady for a public performance on Saturday 6 June at 10.30am. It’s all part of the annual Walled City Music Festival, running from June 4 to 7.

Alice Lewis, Community & Outreach Officer said: “Babu Press specialise in musical storytelling using familiar pieces of classical music to bring characters to life for young children. We are thrilled that they have created this brand new work inspired by our local Giant’s Causeway myth. Hundreds of children across Derry and the North West will get to experience the show through our schools tour and outreach programme.

“This is a real first for the festival, not only are we putting shows into schools, we are bringing a ‘satellite’ show to Limavady for families. What better place to put on a show about the Giant’s Causeway myth than the new Causeway Coast & Glens council venue? This is a perfect introduction to classical music and instruments for young children in a fun and informal show. Even better, parents and guardians go free.”

The familiar story will be given a twist and told from some new perspectives including a magpie, a fish and a frog. Each character and action, such as the fight between the giants, is represented by music, including Beethoven’s well known Ode to Joy and Mussorgsky’s Night on the Bare Mountain.

Characters include Finn MacCool, his clever wife Oonagh and arch-enemy Scottish Giant Benandonner.

The show features a narrator accompanied by three musicians on flute, oboe and cello who will introduce their instruments in a fun and friendly way.

Babu Press comprises Joseph Salvalaggio, Principal Oboist with the Memphis Symphony Orchestra and Todd Berry, an acclaimed stage actor who will provide the narration.