An Arty's and The Music Box Production

Twenty children aged between 3 and 7 years performed a musical drama for families and friends at the Church of Our Lady and St. John recently, having rehearsed together for the previous four weeks.

The Arty and The Monkey Tales production, 'Emergency At the North Pole,' was a tremendous success with some regulars at the joint Arty's and The Music box ventures commenting that it was the best yet.

The story, written by Gillian McDaniel, had Arty the Monkey helping Santa's elves making toys for Christmas. It included nine songs with dances and the children acting the parts of elves, reindeer and toys as well as the Arty and the Monkey Tales regulars, Arty and E-Razer the monkeys and the Paint Rangers.

On five Saturday mornings, starting on 21 November, the show's stars came together to learn songs, dances and actions with Naomi from The Music Box and to make props, scenery and costumes with Gills from Artys. They worked hard and had a lot of fun each week and as a result were ready to dazzle their audience with a sparkling performance at 12.30pm on 19 December.

The 20 young stars were Charlotte Ballingall, William Bowie, Lewis Grieg, Finlay Guild, Zara Hay, Grace McAulay, Jane McDowell, Madeline McIlreavy, Ava McKenzie, Lucy MacLeod, Charlotte Moore, Hannah Moore, Lauren Munro, Teagan Neish, Nina Porter, Amy Scott, Beth Scott, Aaron Toft, Fraser Waddington and Katie Waddington.

With Gillian's colourful costumes and Naomi's creative choreography the show was a visual treat and the whole thing was set off wonderfully by the splendid scenery courtesy of Steven Wylie. The project would not have been possible without the help of Lydia Breaks, Heather Hart and Donna Kilpatrick who assisted each Saturday morning.

Gillian and Naomi are now working on plans for the next Arty and The Monkey Tales production which is expected to take place during the summer holidays.

See the Emergency At The North Pole Photo Album here.