The Way Back Home

ENO commissioned composer Joanna Lee and writer Rory Mullarkey to turn the much loved Oliver Jeffers story of The Way Back Home, into an opera.  They decided to add in a few imaginary elements such as the Gizmos who created all the sound effects live on stage, and they gave the Penguin a larger role.

Katie Mitchell directed the production. KS1 and KS2 Primary school groups were invited into rehearsals at regular intervals to give feedback to the creative team and suggest ideas for how it should be staged.

To accompany the show, we produced an Activity Pack, and a series of workshops, inviting primary groups to create their own version of the opera and make props inspired by the production.

Postcards and watercolour pencils were also provided in the foyer before each show for children to draw in the style of Oliver Jeffers and to share their feedback on the opera. You can see a selection of postcards in this album on our Facebook page.