Over one hundred and fifty East Sutherland children this week began a unique project that will culminate in their massed performance of new oratorio in Dornoch Cathedral on 3 and 4 March.

Led by the Thurso-based Grey Coast Theatre Company, the senior primary populations of Dornoch, Golspie, Lairg, Bonar Bridge and Rosehall Schools – a total of 153 children - will come together with professional guidance to present The Big Song of Sutherland, a song cycle by Caithness writer George Gunn with original music by Andy Thorburn. Mr Thorburn is well-known throughout Scotland as keyboard player with Blazin’ Fiddles and the Ghillies, and has just released a CD of his original piano works, entitled simply Piano.

Under the direction of Eric Tessier-Lavigne and a company of eleven theatre professionals, the children will tell the story of East Sutherland from man’s earliest beginnings to the present day will be told through a memorable blend of music, poetry and song, a style Grey Coast Theatre has perfected over its twelve-year history.

In The Big Song of Sutherland the Cathedral itself is put centre stage.  From its early thirteenth century origins to Madonna’s recent celebrations, Dornoch Cathedral has seen it all.  Burned to the ground three times, the building has risen phoenix-like to assume its present proud position as the civic centre of Sutherland. 

This northern outpost of mediaeval architecture stands as a symbol of the endurance of the Sutherland people as they faced and overcame the challenges of their colourful and often violent history.

George Gunn, who is also artistic director of the theatre company, said,  “Theatre can liberate children’s imaginations when it comes to their own history.  Theatre is about life, about doing, so paying attention to the joy in that, making sure every child can express themselves and be creative and have a sense of ownership in the story they are performing, will ensure that individually and as a group they will remember this experience for a long time.”

The project represents a huge challenge for the company, bringing together as it does 153 senior primary pupils, from five schools across the region, to perform a new piece of music in the Cathedral with only three weeks’ intensive preparation.  The company is confident the project will be a success however; Grey Coast undertook a similar project in Wick last year that brought 250 Caithness children together for The Song of Wick.

It was that experience that prompted discussions between the company and Sutherland Arts Development Officer Roxana Meechan, which ultimately led to the undertaking of the Sutherland project, now supported by the Scottish Arts Council Lottery Fund, Leader+ and the Highland Council. 

Tickets are already in short supply for the two performances but enquiries can be directed to Grey Coast Theatre on 01847 890840.