This Is My Bed
An opera about bedtimes and dreams. And a bed with a mind of its own!
- Director
- Tim Yealland
- Composer
- Pete Letanka
- Designer
- Sophia Lovell Smith
This Is My Bed is the latest of a long line of operas devised annually for audiences with special educational needs and disabilities. Recent operas have included “Different (2017)”, Dust Child (2016), Waxwings (2015), Rumbled (2014) and Spin (2013). Interactive, stimulating and participatory, all of these operas are created to be enjoyed by young people of every ability.
This Is My Bed is devised in partnership with Perseid School in Wimbledon, and is a collaboration with Polka Theatre, where the show will play for two weeks in June 2018.
There’s one thing about your bed. It’s your very own bed. Except somebody else seems to think it’s their bed too. And then the bed itself has its own ideas. And when things get scary in the middle of the night it whisks you off to meet the very things you’re frightened of. Thank goodness the bed has some friends at the end of the journey.
Performed by three singers and two players, and full of fabulous songs and characters, This Is My Bed is completely immersive, and will take you to some very odd and surprising destinations.
Feedback from recent shows in our SEND strand:
“Both children and support staff loved the performance. It was interesting, fun and creative. A lovely story that the students could follow. The students loved it and were engaged throughout. They loved the music/songs, interacting with the performers and becoming part of the show. A fantastic performance that enabled all students to access and enjoy.
— Claire Hatton, teacher of a boys’ group aged 7-11 with visual impairment and additional needs
Very engaging and interactive. Having lots of things to do during the performance really brought it to life and ‘meeting the real cast’ was particularly great for the students. [The students were given] exposure to opera singing in an accessible format (i.e. not just sitting still and listening). An exciting sense of being part of the production. A massive thank you from everyone!
— Nick Atkins, teacher of students aged 11-16
If you are interested in booking the opera please contact Daniel Coelho or call 020 7833 2555.
Workshops held at Perseid School
Wednesday 27 September
Thursday 28 September
Monday 9 October
Tuesday 10 October
Wednesday 11 October
Dates subject to change
Showing At
- Perseid Upper School, Surrey
27th Sep 2017 - 10:00 am
- Perseid Upper School, Surrey
28th Sep 2017 - 10:00 am
- Perseid Upper School, Surrey
9th Oct 2017 - 10:00 am
- Perseid Upper School, Surrey
10th Oct 2017 - 10:00 am
- Perseid Upper School, Surrey
11th Oct 2017 - 10:00 am
- Corbets Tey School
6th Mar 2018 - 11:00 am
- Corbets Tey School
6th Mar 2018 - 1:30 pm
- Lansdowne School
9th Mar 2018 - 2:15 pm
- Heartlands, Redruth
14th Mar 2018 - 11:00 am
- Victoria Education Centre, Poole
16th Mar 2018 - 2:00 pm
- Sir Tom Finney Community High School
19th Mar 2018 - 10:00 am
- Warden's Trust Centre, Suffolk
14th Apr 2018 - 11:00 am
- The Valley School
17th Apr 2018 - 11:00 am
- Castle School, Cambridge
18th Apr 2018 - 2:00 pm
- National Star College, Cheltenham
26th Apr 2018 - 11:45 am
- Stage Two, Norwich Theatre Royal
5th May 2018 - 11:00 am
Book Online Now - Norfolk Park Primary School, Sheffield
11th May 2018 - 10:00 am
- Fairview School, Perth
17th May 2018 - 1:30 pm
- York Theatre Royal
2nd Jun 2018 - 11:00 am
- Sandside Lodge School
7th Jun 2018 - 11:00 am
- Highfurlong School, Blackpool
8th Jun 2018 - 2:00 pm
- Polka Theatre
13th Jun 2018 - 10:35 am
Book Online Now - Polka Theatre
13th Jun 2018 - 1:05 pm
Book Online Now - Polka Theatre
14th Jun 2018 - 10:35 am
Book Online Now - Polka Theatre
14th Jun 2018 - 1:05 pm
Book Online Now - Polka Theatre
15th Jun 2018 - 10:35 am
Book Online Now - Polka Theatre
15th Jun 2018 - 1:05 pm
Book Online Now - Polka Theatre
16th Jun 2018 - 11:05 am
Book Online Now - Polka Theatre
16th Jun 2018 - 2:35 pm
Book Online Now - Polka Theatre
17th Jun 2018 - 11:05 am
Book Online Now - Polka Theatre
17th Jun 2018 - 2:35 pm
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20th Jun 2018 - 10:35 am
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20th Jun 2018 - 2:05 pm
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21st Jun 2018 - 10:35 am
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21st Jun 2018 - 2:05 pm
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22nd Jun 2018 - 10:35 am
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22nd Jun 2018 - 2:05 pm
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23rd Jun 2018 - 11:05 am
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23rd Jun 2018 - 2:35 pm
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24th Jun 2018 - 11:35 am
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24th Jun 2018 - 2:35 pm
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Perseid Upper School, Surrey
— 27th Sep 2017 - 10:00 am
Middleton Road, Morden, SM4 6RU
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Perseid Upper School, Surrey
— 28th Sep 2017 - 10:00 am
Middleton Road, Morden, SM4 6RU
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Perseid Upper School, Surrey
— 9th Oct 2017 - 10:00 am
Middleton Road, Morden, SM4 6RU
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Perseid Upper School, Surrey
— 10th Oct 2017 - 10:00 am
Middleton Road, Morden, SM4 6RU
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Perseid Upper School, Surrey
— 11th Oct 2017 - 10:00 am
Middleton Road, Morden, SM4 6RU
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Corbets Tey School
— 6th Mar 2018 - 11:00 am
Harwood Hall Lane, Upminster, RM14 2YQ
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Corbets Tey School
— 6th Mar 2018 - 1:30 pm
Harwood Hall Lane, Upminster, RM14 2YQ
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Lansdowne School
— 9th Mar 2018 - 2:15 pm
7 Argyll Cl, London, SW9 9QL
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Heartlands, Redruth
— 14th Mar 2018 - 11:00 am
Robinson's Shaft, Dundance Lane, Pool Redruth, Cornwall, TR15 3QY
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Victoria Education Centre, Poole
— 16th Mar 2018 - 2:00 pm
12 Lindsay Road, Poole, BH13 6AS
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Sir Tom Finney Community High School
— 19th Mar 2018 - 10:00 am
Preston
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Warden's Trust Centre, Suffolk
— 14th Apr 2018 - 11:00 am
Ness House, Sizewell, Suffolk, IP16 4UB
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The Valley School
— 17th Apr 2018 - 11:00 am
Valley Way, Stevenage, SG2 9AB
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Castle School, Cambridge
— 18th Apr 2018 - 2:00 pm
Courtney Way, Cambridge, CB4 2EE
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National Star College, Cheltenham
— 26th Apr 2018 - 11:45 am
Ullenwood, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL53 9QU
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Stage Two, Norwich Theatre Royal
— 5th May 2018 - 11:00 am
18 Chantry Rd, Norwich , NR2 1RF
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Norfolk Park Primary School, Sheffield
— 11th May 2018 - 10:00 am
Sheffield, S2 3QF
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Fairview School, Perth
— 17th May 2018 - 1:30 pm
Fairview School, Oakbank Crescent, Perth, PH1 1DF
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York Theatre Royal
— 2nd Jun 2018 - 11:00 am
YO1 7HD
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Sandside Lodge School
— 7th Jun 2018 - 11:00 am
Sandside Road, Ulverston, LA12 9EF
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Highfurlong School, Blackpool
— 8th Jun 2018 - 2:00 pm
Blackpool Old Road, Blackpool, FY3 7LR
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Polka Theatre
— 13th Jun 2018 - 10:35 am
240 The Broadway, Wimbledon, London , SW19 1SB
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Polka Theatre
— 13th Jun 2018 - 1:05 pm
240 The Broadway, Wimbledon, London , SW19 1SB
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Polka Theatre
— 14th Jun 2018 - 10:35 am
240 The Broadway, Wimbledon, London , SW19 1SB
-
Polka Theatre
— 14th Jun 2018 - 1:05 pm
240 The Broadway, Wimbledon, London , SW19 1SB
-
Polka Theatre
— 15th Jun 2018 - 10:35 am
240 The Broadway, Wimbledon, London , SW19 1SB
-
Polka Theatre
— 15th Jun 2018 - 1:05 pm
240 The Broadway, Wimbledon, London , SW19 1SB
-
Polka Theatre
— 16th Jun 2018 - 11:05 am
240 The Broadway, Wimbledon, London , SW19 1SB
-
Polka Theatre
— 16th Jun 2018 - 2:35 pm
240 The Broadway, Wimbledon, London , SW19 1SB
-
Polka Theatre
— 17th Jun 2018 - 11:05 am
240 The Broadway, Wimbledon, London , SW19 1SB
-
Polka Theatre
— 17th Jun 2018 - 2:35 pm
240 The Broadway, Wimbledon, London , SW19 1SB
-
Polka Theatre
— 20th Jun 2018 - 10:35 am
240 The Broadway, Wimbledon, London , SW19 1SB
-
Polka Theatre
— 20th Jun 2018 - 2:05 pm
240 The Broadway, Wimbledon, London , SW19 1SB
-
Polka Theatre
— 21st Jun 2018 - 10:35 am
240 The Broadway, Wimbledon, London , SW19 1SB
-
Polka Theatre
— 21st Jun 2018 - 2:05 pm
240 The Broadway, Wimbledon, London , SW19 1SB
-
Polka Theatre
— 22nd Jun 2018 - 10:35 am
240 The Broadway, Wimbledon, London , SW19 1SB
-
Polka Theatre
— 22nd Jun 2018 - 2:05 pm
240 The Broadway, Wimbledon, London , SW19 1SB
-
Polka Theatre
— 23rd Jun 2018 - 11:05 am
240 The Broadway, Wimbledon, London , SW19 1SB
-
Polka Theatre
— 23rd Jun 2018 - 2:35 pm
240 The Broadway, Wimbledon, London , SW19 1SB
-
Polka Theatre
— 24th Jun 2018 - 11:35 am
240 The Broadway, Wimbledon, London , SW19 1SB
-
Polka Theatre
— 24th Jun 2018 - 2:35 pm
240 The Broadway, Wimbledon, London , SW19 1SB
Featured Crew

Tim Yealland
Director
Tim read English at Cambridge, then studied singing at the Guildhall and the Munich Hochschule . His performing career included roles in opera and theatre, including work for Opera Factory, Opera 80, ENO, ROH, Opera North and Chichester Festival. His passion for education has led him to devise and direct projects for all the main opera companies, and many others here and abroad. He has led the education work at ETO since 2003, bringing a particular commitment to integrating special and mainstream schools. He has created 3 community operas for ETO: One Breath (Sheffield), A House on the Moon (Wolverhampton) and One Day Two Dawns (Cornwall). He has also written the libretti for several operas for young people, including Voithia and In the Belly of the Horse.

Pete Letanka
Composer

Sophia Lovell Smith
Designer
Cast

Abigail Kelly
Having initially trained at Birmingham Conservatoire, Abigail completed her operatic studies at the RCS. Performances with ETO include Naiad Rusalka, Cobweb A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Despina Cosi fan tutte. As a recitalist Abigail has performed with Opera South Africa and the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra as well as solo recitals at St John Smith Square and across the Caribbean. Abigail’s work includes roles in many children’s operas including the award winning Laika the Spacedog. Abigail is grateful to the Peter Moores Foundation, English Touring Opera and Chris Ball for bursaries to further her professional development.

Bradley Travis
Bradley Travis studied at RNCM and RCM International Opera School. At RCMIOS roles: Figaro Le nozze di Figaro, Don Iñigo Gomez L’heure espagnole and Lord Ellington La vie Parisienne. Other engagements: Minos Arianna in Creta and Argenio Imeneo (LHF). Won Basil A Turner Award for Count Robinson The Secret Marriage (British Youth Opera). For Garsington Opera he won the Leonard Ingrams and Helen Clarke Awards, covered Harašta The Cunning Little Vixen and Traveller Death in Venice. Debut Opera North as Figaro. Lesbus Agrippina (Iford Festival). Future plans include Masetto Don Giovanni with Classical Opera Company.

Joanna Marie Skillett
“Both children and support staff loved the performance. It was interesting, fun and creative. A lovely story that the students could follow. The students loved it and were engaged throughout. They loved the music/songs, interacting with the performers and becoming part of the show. A fantastic performance that enabled all students to access and enjoy.
— Claire Hatton, teacher of a boys’ group aged 7-11 with visual impairment and additional needs
Very engaging and interactive. Having lots of things to do during the performance really brought it to life and ‘meeting the real cast’ was particularly great for the students. [The students were given] exposure to opera singing in an accessible format (i.e. not just sitting still and listening). An exciting sense of being part of the production. A massive thank you from everyone!
— Nick Atkins, teacher of students aged 11-16
Showing At
- Perseid Upper School, Surrey
27th Sep 2017 - 10:00 am
- Perseid Upper School, Surrey
28th Sep 2017 - 10:00 am
- Perseid Upper School, Surrey
9th Oct 2017 - 10:00 am
- Perseid Upper School, Surrey
10th Oct 2017 - 10:00 am
- Perseid Upper School, Surrey
11th Oct 2017 - 10:00 am
- Corbets Tey School
6th Mar 2018 - 11:00 am
- Corbets Tey School
6th Mar 2018 - 1:30 pm
- Lansdowne School
9th Mar 2018 - 2:15 pm
- Heartlands, Redruth
14th Mar 2018 - 11:00 am
- Victoria Education Centre, Poole
16th Mar 2018 - 2:00 pm
- Sir Tom Finney Community High School
19th Mar 2018 - 10:00 am
- Warden's Trust Centre, Suffolk
14th Apr 2018 - 11:00 am
- The Valley School
17th Apr 2018 - 11:00 am
- Castle School, Cambridge
18th Apr 2018 - 2:00 pm
- National Star College, Cheltenham
26th Apr 2018 - 11:45 am
- Stage Two, Norwich Theatre Royal
5th May 2018 - 11:00 am
Book Online Now - Norfolk Park Primary School, Sheffield
11th May 2018 - 10:00 am
- Fairview School, Perth
17th May 2018 - 1:30 pm
- York Theatre Royal
2nd Jun 2018 - 11:00 am
- Sandside Lodge School
7th Jun 2018 - 11:00 am
- Highfurlong School, Blackpool
8th Jun 2018 - 2:00 pm
- Polka Theatre
13th Jun 2018 - 10:35 am
Book Online Now - Polka Theatre
13th Jun 2018 - 1:05 pm
Book Online Now - Polka Theatre
14th Jun 2018 - 10:35 am
Book Online Now - Polka Theatre
14th Jun 2018 - 1:05 pm
Book Online Now - Polka Theatre
15th Jun 2018 - 10:35 am
Book Online Now - Polka Theatre
15th Jun 2018 - 1:05 pm
Book Online Now - Polka Theatre
16th Jun 2018 - 11:05 am
Book Online Now - Polka Theatre
16th Jun 2018 - 2:35 pm
Book Online Now - Polka Theatre
17th Jun 2018 - 11:05 am
Book Online Now - Polka Theatre
17th Jun 2018 - 2:35 pm
Book Online Now - Polka Theatre
20th Jun 2018 - 10:35 am
Book Online Now - Polka Theatre
20th Jun 2018 - 2:05 pm
Book Online Now - Polka Theatre
21st Jun 2018 - 10:35 am
Book Online Now - Polka Theatre
21st Jun 2018 - 2:05 pm
Book Online Now - Polka Theatre
22nd Jun 2018 - 10:35 am
Book Online Now - Polka Theatre
22nd Jun 2018 - 2:05 pm
Book Online Now - Polka Theatre
23rd Jun 2018 - 11:05 am
Book Online Now - Polka Theatre
23rd Jun 2018 - 2:35 pm
Book Online Now - Polka Theatre
24th Jun 2018 - 11:35 am
Book Online Now - Polka Theatre
24th Jun 2018 - 2:35 pm
Book Online Now