+ What is it?

What The Dickens! is a specially commissioned musical from Portsmouth Music Hub retelling the famous Dickens classic.

The plan is to create a filmed performance, which means:

• No rehearsals on the day
• No travel issues
• No costs for parents

There is plenty of flexibility so you can make this work for your school. If you have Music Service staff working with you, they can teach all the songs for you.

Schools are also invited to take part in a special live performance of the musical on Thursday 9 December at St. Mary's Church, Fratton at 6.30pm. Places will be limited per school.

+ When is it?

The show will be premiered on YouTube on Thursday 16 ^th December at 6.30pm and will be available to watch at any time after the premier so you can show this to the school as part of an assembly or end of term performance.

+ Who is it for?

The songs are aimed at KS1&2 students, however, confident Year 2s will be able to join in and some year 7s might enjoy getting involved.

+ What will schools have to do?

• Attend the twilight session on Wednesday 29 ^th September at 4:15pm on Zoom.
• Teach the songs prior to your filming session in mid-November - children will be expected to know the words from memory at this session.
• The show is narrated and each school needs to select one narrator - they can read from a script or speak from memory, whatever is easiest. They can read in English or translate the script into a language they are more familiar with.
• Ensure that only children with photo and video consent are filmed as the final performance will be shared on social media.

Show schools will be required to attend a rehearsal on the day of the show at St. Mary's Church between 10am - 2pm. Children should bring a packed lunch

+ What do we wear?

You can wear Victorian or Christmas costumes or school uniform, you can use props or not - the aim is to have a manageable goal to work towards so the students feel they are part of a larger, musical show.

For schools performing in the live performance at St. Mary's, t-shirts will be provided for each child taking part.

+ Filming Sessions

Paul will film your performances in school during a two-hour session. During this session Paul will film all songs and narration

Filming sessions are available between 15^th- 26^th November , on a first come, first served basis.

When booking your filming slot, please select your first choice slot only.

Vocal rehearsals for each school taking part in the live event will also be available. We will be in touch with the relevant schools to schedule your vocal rehearsal.