A new North East folk opera launched with the help of a humanoid robot is set to premiere, promising an "unforgettable journey through history, imagination, and innovation."
Described as a visionary and immersive stage production, No More Sleeping is being developed through a collaboration between pupils from the Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust.
The project also involves acclaimed writer Richard O’Neill MBE, musician Mike McGrother, illustrator Michelle Russell, and Seven Stories—The National Centre for Children’s Books.
Brendan Tapping, CEO of Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust, said: “We are delighted to once more be working with pupils right across our Trust to produce a spectacular performance. Following our previous successful ventures – Footsteps into Paradise at Durham Cathedral in 2022, and JOY in my Heart at Rainton Arena in 2023.
“At its heart, No More Sleeping is a story of resilience, transformation, and community. It reminds us that the North East is not just a region of history, but one of boundless creativity and innovation.”
Billed as "Alice in Wonderland meets The Wizard of Oz," the opera is also filled with the humour and spirit of iconic North East TV shows like The Likely Lads and Byker Grove.
The story follows Ella, a teenage girl coping with the loss of her grandparents who is gifted Marra—a Multifunctioning Autonomous Robotic Resource Assistant designed to preserve family and regional history.
Guided by Marra, Ella embarks on a fantastical adventure through the North East’s industrial and cultural heritage, meeting historic figures and discovering the power of storytelling, innovation, and community.
Pupils from Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Primary School in Horden recently had the chance to meet Alan, a humanoid robot developed by Durham University who helped launch the project.
Year 5 pupil Mia-Rose said: “I am really excited to meet Alan, the robot, and I have been working on designs for the No More Sleeping picture book—it is going to be cool.”
Jack, also in Year 5, said: “I am singing as part of No More Sleeping.
"I was really excited to see Alan and the robot dog.
"The show will be really entertaining and I am pleased to be in it.”
Dr. Amir Atapour-Abarghouei, associate professor in computer vision and machine learning at Durham University, spoke of the educational value behind the project.
He said: “It was a real privilege to bring Alan to Our Lady Star of the Sea and to be part of the launch of No More Sleeping.
"What makes this project so exciting is that it places children’s imagination at the centre of the conversation about technology.
"AI and robotics should not be seen as replacing creativity, but as tools that can help young people ask new questions, tell new stories and imagine different futures.
"The pupils’ curiosity, energy and confidence were fantastic to see, and this is exactly the kind of collaboration that can inspire the next generation of innovators in the North East.”
No More Sleeping extends beyond the stage to include a children’s picture book, also developed by young people from the region and inspired by their own stories and artwork.
Mr O’Neill emphasised the show's energy and ambition.
He said: “With a dynamic and electrifying score blending folk, rock and contemporary musical theatre, No More Sleeping brings the North East’s past and future to life in an immersive, high-energy production.
"No More Sleeping is more than a musical; it is a movement, a celebration, and a call to action.”
The trust is inviting schools, colleges, businesses, cultural organisations, and civic leaders to get involved in the production.
For more information or to get involved, email enquiries@bccet.org.uk.
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