Manchester sees the arrival of a very special guest this October half-term. David McKee’s much-loved creation 'Elmer the Elephant' comes to Hallé St Peter’s for six concerts based on his classic books. This follows the success of 2013’s 'There’s a Rumble in the Jungle' and last year’s 'Giraffes Can’t Dance'. The concerts will be playfully interactive, and will be featuring Hallé musicians acting, dancing and even singing.
Nine Hallé players and a dancer will tell the inspirational story of individuality and acceptance of the eponymous patchwork elephant. Tired of being laughed at, Elmer disguises his multi-coloured patchwork skin to fit in with the other elephants. But far from gaining acceptance, his plan backfires and he is only welcomed into the herd once his true colours are revealed.
The performance is a perfect 40 minute introduction to instruments of the orchestra, ideal for children aged 3-7 years.
Elmer the Elephant has become a modern classic. Its subtle message - that it’s ok to be different - resonates with children across the world. Celebrating its 25th anniversary last year, David McKee remembers the racist comment about his daughter that sparked the idea for the story.
He said 'My daughter was upset. I thought, he's talking about my daughter. I couldn't believe it. She is darker skinned because her mother was Anglo-Indian, but my daughter is beautiful – as was my wife.'
Creating something positive and inspiring from an unpleasant experience, the resulting story became one of the bestselling children’s books of recent times.
Hallé half term concerts, Halle St Peters, Wednesday 28 October at 11.30am and 1.15pm Thursday 29 October at 10am, 11.30am and 1.15pm, £6 / £4.
What else is happening at half term in Manchester?