Song and dance over opera ends in chorus of approval

Beached turned out to be the “joyous” event Billy Elliot writer Lee Hall had hoped it would be – although he wasn’t there to see its triumph.

The project was put in jeopardy after the writer became embroiled in a war of words with Opera North, East Riding Council and Bridlington’s Bay Primary School over claims he had been asked to remove the central gay character from his script.

Opera North and the school insisted a scene where homophobic abuse is shouted at the character, Professor Sewerby, had sparked the problem. In the end the show went on – the offending word “queer” excised from the script.

Cyberspace furore or not, the audience lapped up the exuberant libretto, with music composed by Harvey Brough, which used voracious seagulls, surly teenagers and grannies on mobility scooters to make mayhem out of a day on the beach at “Brid”.

The four professionals were given a run for their money by the amateurs – especially the two youngsters, Jimmy (Andrew Studholme) and Sandra, played by 15-year-old Amy Wood. Two years’ effort had gone into the piece and the only shame was so many matinee seats were empty.

Dave Hinde, a bass baritone from Bempton, who played the sorely tried beach cleaner, said: “I’ve heard nothing but positives in terms of how much people have enjoyed this. We feel it’s been a great opportunity.”

Amy, who has only taken part in school productions up to now, added: “After rehearsals we went down to the beach and spotted the stereotypes from the production – it was quite funny.”

Lindsey Porter, from Opera North, was delighted adding: “Hopefully it leaves the community with a feel-good feeling about themselves and the work they have done.”