Laika The Space Dog – English Touring Opera
Music: Russell Hepplewhite
Design: Jude Munden
Cast includes Abigail Kelly, Emma Watkinson, David de Wynter and Maciek O’Shea

The English Touring Opera (ETO) – Autumn Opera in Schools – Laika the Space Dog

ETO is reviving its award-winning opera for children Laika the Space Dog, which tells the story of the Russian dog that was sent to space as part of the Soviet space programme.

 The opera’s thrilling story is told in many diverse ways by nine professional performers – and also includes archive film, filmed animation (created with children) and puppetry. The characters include the idealistic young student Mikhael, the great scientist Korolev, the dog-hating Valentina, and of course the little dog herself. The piece features also a specially made theremin (the original electronic instrument), along with percussion, clarinet, cello and bassoon.

The action takes us from an apartment in Moscow to Gorky Park, to the Kremlin (where we meet President Khrushchev), and finally to the Cosmodrome in Baikonur, brought to life with stunning design, and from where we launch the famous Sputnik rockets. The piece is highly interactive and includes songs for everyone. A comprehensive teachers’ pack and CD support the project

Location: Each performance will take place in the school who books the show

Cost per production: Cost 290+VAT

Dates: Bookings date depending on the school and ETO availability.

For more information and to book please email: Daniel.coelho@englishtouringopera.org.uk

For more information about ETO visit: http://englishtouringopera.org.uk/

Photo Credit: Robert Workman