WHEN WE STARTED SINGING Ages 5+ and families An uplifting short film featuring BSL, storytelling and song. Mr Popple is a kind, elderly man who lives alone with just his pet tortoise, Tommy, for company. When his neighbours suddenly find themselves housebound, he notices their struggles and sets out to share some joy. His acts of kindness transform strangers into friends (and pop stars!) and a community is born. Running time: 17 minutes Cast/Creative: Writer: Mike Peacock Filmmaker: Nick Farrimond Director: Gilly Baskeyfield Assistant Director: Caroline Kennedy Composer/ Original Song/MD: James Atherton Set, Props and Costume: Joss Matzen & Sharon McWilliams BSL Interpreter: Rebekah Mills Strawson Photography: Lewis Wileman Sound Engineer: Christophe Bride Mr Popple: Declan Wilson Tommy the Tortoise: Roman Neighbours: Luke & Bronwyn Walker, Purvi Parmar, Guy Hargreaves & Nicola McRoy, Shirley, Sam & Edward Jamil The film began life as one of the winning entries in our Love in the Time of Corona lockdown writing competition. We then went on to develop the piece with filmmaker Nick Farrimond for the National Schools Linking Network. It premiered on 2 November and has so far brought hundreds of children together for special lessons to promote equality and community.