As community based musical initiatives go, this will take some beating. 

Two years of planning, 10 months in the making: Schools and arts organisations, local property developers, video specialists (the concert was broadcast live on the internet), film makers, charities, local authority and town councils - not forgetting the composer, the narrator and the input of two brass bands.

Mature determination

‘Childs Play’ may have been the name of the project, but getting it all to come together for the world premiere at a packed Shirebrook Academy School Hall bore the hallmarks of mature determination and single-mindedness.

The result was a triumph in every respect, as Paul Lovatt-Cooper’s joyful score was expertly enhanced by Frank Renton’s nostalgic narration and a wonderful film produced by former Desford player Martyn Harris. 

Polished professionalism

Prof Nicholas Childs ensured Black Dyke’s polished professionalism shone through as the glue that bound everything together (allied with Shirebrook Welfare Band and Shirebrook Academy Wind Band), whilst the proud as punch children from two local primary schools topped things off with their vibrant vocal enthusiasm.  

Communal success

Snippets of well known nursery rhyme tunes were intertwined within the flowing storyline as the history and relevance of children at play was explored and celebrated. Interplay and interaction, bonding and blissful fun were the keys as the tale unfolded; the murmurs of recognition followed by whole hearted approval from the packed audience hallmarking its communal success. 

The work will now be made available to be enjoyed by other organisations wishing to celebrate the universal enjoyment of children at play, whilst a condensed version of the score will make for an engaging test-piece/concert composition. As legacies go, the Arts Council of England, that funded the project, should be well delighted by that. 

Thoughtful addition

Black Dyke also showcased familiar concert repertoire on the night; excellent solo contributions from Zoe Hancock, Katrina Marzella and trombone trio of Brett Baker, Garry Read and Adrian Hirst, a trip to the movies and the ‘spooktacular’ set, before rounding things off with the thoughtful addition of ‘The Final Journey’.

PLC’s score (aided by another emotive film by Martyn Harris) had a special resonance as the sinking of HMS Hampshire resulted in the loss of many lives from the local area, whilst the ‘Dambusters’ encore also tweaked at the memory synapses for those of a certain age.  

However, for those of any age in the audience ‘Childs Play’ simply left them all with a hop, skip and jump in their step as they made their way home.

Iwan Fox