One thousand infant primary school children from across Sussex have come together this summer to perform 'The Old Woman Who Lived in a Vinegar Bottle', a brand-new musical story commissioned by Create Music. The children performed at venues and community centres across the region, alongside an actor and professional musicians.
The Old Woman Who Lived in a Vinegar Bottle tells the tale of the old lady and her cat Chutney, as they wish their way from a vinegar bottle to a castle with the help of a blackberry-loving fairy. The musical story was created by writer Hazel Gould and composer John Webb, with the help of primary school students from Bexhill and Hastings.
Pupils from across the region took part throughout May, June and July. They performed at venues including Brighton Dome, White Rock Theatre in Hastings and community centres across East Sussex.
It's been a joy to bring the pupils together to give them an experience of singing and performing. Our team at Create Music have been delighted at how the schools have engaged with the project, rehearsing and learning songs and movement at school in preparation for the performance. The children have been singing their hearts out and there has been a lot of love for the Old Woman, her cat Chutney and their Vinegar Bottle home! We look forward to making more singing performance opportunities for Key Stage 1 pupils in 2027. — Isabelle Adams, Create Music Singing Strategy Manager
