A bold and visionary new folk opera, No More Sleeping, is set to premiere in September 2026, offering audiences an unforgettable journey through history, imagination, and innovation. The project was officially launched on Monday 8th June with the help of Durham University’s humanoid robot Alan.

Created by pupils from Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust, the production is the result of a unique collaboration with acclaimed writer Richard O’Neill MBE, renowned musician and community leader Mike McGrother, illustrator Michelle Russell, and Seven Stories - The National Centre for Children’s Books.

Described as Alice in Wonderland meets The Wizard of Oz, infused with the spirit of When the Boat Comes In, The Likely Lads, Byker Grove, and Auf Wiedersehen, Pet, No More Sleeping will tell the inspiring story of Ella, a teenage girl struggling with the loss of her grandparents. Her world transforms when she receives Marra, a Multifunctioning Autonomous Robotic Resource Assistant, not just a machine but a living archive of her family’s history and untold stories of the North East.

Guided by Marra, she embarks on a mesmerising adventure, encountering historical figures from the heritage of the North East. Together, they uncover the region’s rich heavy industrial and cultural legacy, sparking a movement towards a future driven by arts, technology, sustainability, and innovation.

Pupils at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Primary School in Horden had the exclusive opportunity to meet Alan the humanoid robot.

Year 5 pupil Mia-Rose said: “I am really excited to meet Alan, the robot, and I have been working on designs for the No More Sleeping picture book – it is going to be cool.”

Jack, also in Year 5, said: “I am singing as part of No More Sleeping. I was really excited to see Alan and the robot dog. The show will be really entertaining and I am pleased to be in it.”

Dr. Amir Atapour-Abarghouei, associate professor in computer vision and machine learning at Durham University, said: “It was a real privilege to bring Alan to Our Lady Star of the Sea and to be part of the launch of No More Sleeping.

“What makes this project so exciting is that it places children’s imagination at the centre of the conversation about technology. AI and robotics should not be seen as replacing creativity, but as tools that can help young people ask new questions, tell new stories and imagine different futures.

“The pupils’ curiosity, energy and confidence were fantastic to see, and this is exactly the kind of collaboration that can inspire the next generation of innovators in the North East.”

No More Sleeping is not only a stage production, but also an opportunity for children from the North East to see themselves and their communities positively represented in a professional, published picture book – also created by the children.

Brendan Tapping, CEO of Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust, and the driving force behind the project, said: “We are delighted to once more be working with pupils right across our Trust to produce a spectacular performance. Following our previous successful ventures – Footsteps into Paradise at Durham Cathedral in 2022, and JOY in my Heart at Rainton Arena in 2023.

“At its heart, No More Sleeping is a story of resilience, transformation, and community. It reminds us that the North East is not just a region of history, but one of boundless creativity and innovation.”

Richard O’Neill MBE said: “With a dynamic and electrifying score blending folk, rock and contemporary musical theatre, No More Sleeping brings the North East’s past and future to life in an immersive, high-energy production. No More Sleeping is more than a musical; it is a movement, a celebration, and a call to action.”

The Trust is asking the region to unite in building the North East’s next creative generation. This production is a celebration, but also an invitation to schools, colleges, businesses, cultural organisations, and civic leaders to collaborate with the Trust to ensure every child and young person has the chance to create, imagine and shape the North East’s future. If you are interested in getting involved, please email [email protected]

 

For more information about BCCET, visit www.bccet.org.uk

 

ENDS

 

Photo captions: Pupils meet Alan the humanoid robot from Durham University at the launch of new folk opera No More Sleeping.

 

 

Press release issued by SASS media on behalf of Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust. For more information, contact Sarah Dale on 07814 976582.