Whistle Down The Wind

Whistle Down The Wind was our third major production, staged in Sunderland Minster in November 2012

The musical is a two act production based on the novel by Mary Hayley Bell, the screenplay by Willis Hall and Keith Waterhouse, and the film by Richard Attenborough and Brian Forbes, adapted by Russell Labey and Richard Taylor for the stage.

Set in a small Northern village a 15-year-old girl, Cathy, discovers a mysterious, injured man hiding in her family’s barn. When she asks his identity, the first words he utters are 'Jesus Christ'. Believing the man is in fact the real Jesus Christ, Cathy and the town's other children vow to protect the stranger from the outside world. Meanwhile, the adults are on the hunt for an escaped murderer.

Owen Seafield, from the Youth Chorus and who also played Charles Bostock, said:

“I enjoyed every moment of this project”

Thirty eight performers aged 12 – 74 years old performed three shows to packed out audiences – the show was so popular we had to schedule an extra matinee performance!

Rehearsals started in September 2012 and performers committed up to 70 hours of rehearsal time to prepare for the performances. We also had 11 dedicated volunteers who helped us out every step of the way, from chaperoning young performers, assisting with costumes, building the set, and helping front of house.

Jean Chettle, from the Adult Chorus, said:

“A highlight of the project for me was stepping in front of an audience for the first time in my life”

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