Opening the Doors to Opera:
Welcoming Cornish Primary Schools to Ada and the Code Crusaders

This May, Hall for Cornwall partnered with English Touring Opera to introduce primary school children from across the Duchy to opera, through an imaginative new performance inspired by the story of Ada Lovelace – pioneer of coding.

A performance by English Touring Opera to children from Marlborough School, Falmouth. Credit Hugh Hastings

Across two days, pupils from HfC Partner Schools Marlborough, Portreath, St Teath, and Pennoweth piled into the building to experience Ada and the Code Crusaders - a lively, interactive opera created especially for young audiences..

For most of these children, this was not only their first experience of opera, but of live performance. It reflects shared priorities with Arts Council England and English Touring Opera: opening doors, sparking curiosity, and ensuring cultural experiences are within reach for all young people.

Credit Hugh Hastings

Building confidence, curiosity, and excitement 

 Pupils were prepped with the basics in advance - what an opera is, the story, and what to expect on the day, meaning they showed up feeling confident and ready to join in. And teachers were tooled up with ways to link the experience back to the classroom.   

About the show 

Ada and the Code Crusaders is a fast‑paced opera inspired by the life and legacy of Ada Lovelace, widely recognised as the world’s first computer programmer. 

When the mathematical superhero troupe, the Code Crusaders, goes in search of a new member, they travel through space and time and land in Victorian England at the home of twelve‑year‑old Ada Lovelace. At first glance, it seems impossible that a child could be the brilliant mind they’re seeking. But Ada has ideas, curiosity, and determination in abundance. 

Packed with adventure, humour, and moments for pupils to join in, the performance brings together maths, creativity, and problem‑solving in an accessible, joyful way. It encourages children to trust their curiosity, ask questions and see themselves as thinkers, inventors, and creators. 

The opera is written and composed by Anna Pool, directed by Nel Crouch and designed by Ella Barraclough.

Taking opera beyond the stage 

This partnership with English Touring Opera is part of Hall for Cornwall’s ongoing commitment to serving communities across Cornwall, not only the people who choose to walk through the doors of the Cornwall Playhouse auditorium, but those who may not otherwise see live performance as something for them. By bringing opera to school groups, we’re meeting young people where they are. It’s a reminder that at its best, opera can be a topical and fun pathway into culture for Cornwall’s children... 

Credit Hugh Hastings