SPIDERS, ladybirds, snails and other creepy crawlies will be taking centre-stage at the Discovery Museum in Newcastle on Saturday, June 17, with a special performance of The Spiders’ Revenge by the Opera North Children’s Chorus.

The event is being held as part of The Great Get Together, a nationwide celebration of community and inclusion inspired by the life and beliefs of MP Jo Cox.

Reflecting this theme, the ONCC will sing Peter Maxwell Davies’ thought-provoking musical theatre work which tells the story of two children who struggle to understand why the insects in the garden exist and so delight in tormenting them as part of their games. Eventually, the spiders decide to open the youngsters’ eyes to the wonders of the mini-beasts’ kingdom and to show them that every creature has its place on earth, however small and insignificant they may at first appear.

Opera North launched the Newcastle branch of the Children’s Chorus last year. The group of 8 to 12-year-olds meets weekly at the city’s Theatre Royal to perfect their vocal technique and master all aspects of musicianship with the help of Opera North’s professional delivery artists. On this occasion, the Newcastle singers will be joined by members of the ONCC in Leeds.

Jacqui Cameron, Opera North Education Director, said: “We’re delighted to be performing The Spiders’ Revenge in the Discovery Museum during this very special weekend. We believe that Peter Maxwell Davies’ work will perfectly complement the spirit of ‘The Great Get Together’ with its focus on live and let live - and we’re particularly pleased that the performance will bring two cities together with members from both the Leeds and Newcastle choruses taking part.

“At Opera North, we believe that that singing together is a wonderful way of reminding people how much pleasure can be gained from achieving something as a group, regardless of culture, age or background.”

The performance lasts around 20 minutes and will be conducted by Opera North’s James Bingham with accompaniment provided by pianist Jenny Martins. It will start at 2pm in the Turbinia Atrium on the ground floor of the museum. Everyone is welcome and the performance is free of charge.