Children get involved in Sir Scallywag's musical journey

They’re all part of a popular children’s book which has been brought to life at the Portsmouth Guildhall.

About 750 youngsters aged five to seven from schools across the city were at the performance of Sir Scallywag and the Battle for Stinky Bottom, based on a book written by Giles Andreae and illustrated by Korky Paul.

The event was organised by the Portsmouth Cultural Trust as part of its growing learning and participation activities at the guildhall, and was supported by Portsmouth Music Hub and the Jump Start Consortium.

The group Ensemble 360 played background music while narrator Polly Ives read the story and sang songs, joined by the children.

Chief executive of Portsmouth Music Hub, Sue Beckett, said the youngsters had been practicing song lines and movements for about a month before the concert.

Ms Beckett said: ‘It’s a fun way to engage children and introduce them to professional musicians.

‘It’s about combining literacy with music, and it’s not just a one-off experience.

‘The children learn about the book beforehand will follow it up afterwards.’

The story follows six-year-old-hero Sir Scallywag’s quest to find a golden sausage that will make him live for 
ever. Standing in his way is an army of trolls.

Cottage Grove pupil Taylor Green, five, loved the performance.

He said: ‘This concert is brilliant and I love joining in with all the actions and songs.’

St John’s Cathedral Catholic Primary School pupil Graca Afonso, six, said: ‘I love the concert. It’s really funny and the instruments are amazing.’

Some of the songs which got the audience moving included the Swamp Troll Boogie Woogie and Doughnuts and Baked Beans.

Medina Primary School teacher Laura Cudlip said the youngsters had all enjoyed themselves.

She said: ‘This is an exciting opportunity for the children to experience live music.’

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