RELAXED CONCERT: THE STORM WHALE

Stoller Hall, Manchester
Saturday 23 May 2026, 11.00am / 2.00pm
Book Tickets

A Relaxed performance of Music in the Round’s brand-new storybook concert, based on the modern classic book series by Benji Davies.

 The Storm Whale tells the story of a child, a whale washed up on the beach, and friendships that will change their lives forever and echo down the generations. These heart-warming tales of friendship, love and courage are brought to life through music specially written to accompany the book by Paul Rissmann, Music in the Round’s Children’s Composer-in-Residence.  

For this ‘Relaxed’ version of The Storm Whale concert, there will be a ‘Meet the Musicians’ event before the concert (from 11.00am & 2.30pm), so audiences can be introduced to the musicians and the sounds that their instruments make. 

For the concert, doors will be left open, lights raised and a break-out space provided. There will not be any emphasis on the audience being quiet; vocalisations and movements are welcome. 

People with an Autism Spectrum, sensory or communication disorder or learning disability, those with age-related impairments and parents/carers with babies are all encouraged to join us for these special events.

It will be a welcoming, inclusive introduction to a live concert experience, brimming with wonderful music, memorable songs, images from the book and chances to join in, should you wish.

This illustrated and narrated storybook concert is brought to you by Music in the Round, the producers of previous popular family concerts Izzy Gimzo, Giddy Goat and Sir Scallywag.

The Storm Whale tells a simple but powerful story about loneliness and the love between a parent and child… The world may be as big and lonely and incomprehensible as the ocean, but still it’s possible to find tremendous, heart-stopping tenderness.” The New York Times on the book

With many thanks to all our funders, including:

The Sarah Nulty Power of Music Foundation, The JG Graves Charitable Trust, Sheffield Town Trust and Wise Music Foundation

“The musicians did a wonderful job of introducing the young audience to enjoyment of the theatre, live music and engaging story-telling. Proof of their success [were] the lines of excited children coming up to meet the musicians who had gathered in the foyer with their instruments.”

The Yorkshire Post (on a previous Music in the Round storybook concert)

FAMILY CONCERT: THE STORM WHALE

Stoller Hall, Manchester
Sunday 24 May 2026, 12.00am / 2.00pm
Book Tickets

A brand-new storybook concert, based on the modern classic book series by Benji Davies.

The Storm Whale tells the story of a child, a whale washed up on the beach, and friendships that will change their lives forever and echo down the generations. These heart-warming tales of friendship, love and courage are brought to life through music specially written to accompany the book by our Children’s Composer-in-Residence, Paul Rissmann.  

Perfect for 3 to 7 year-olds and their families, this illustrated and narrated storybook concert is brought to Stoller Hall with Music in the Round, the producers of previous popular family concerts Izzy GimzoGiddy Goat and Sir Scallywag. It is a wonderful introduction to a live concert experience, brimming with wonderful music, memorable songs, images from the book and plenty of chances to join in.

The Storm Whale tells a simple but powerful story about loneliness and the love between a parent and child… The world may be as big and lonely and incomprehensible as the ocean, but still it’s possible to find tremendous, heart-stopping tenderness.” The New York Times on the book

With many thanks to all our funders, including:

The Sarah Nulty Power of Music Foundation, The JG Graves Charitable Trust, Sheffield Town Trust and Wise Music Foundation

“The musicians did a wonderful job of introducing the young audience to enjoyment of the theatre, live music and engaging story-telling. Proof of their success [were] the lines of excited children coming up to meet the musicians who had gathered in the foyer with their instruments.”

The Yorkshire Post (on a previous Music in the Round storybook concert)

RELAXED CONCERT: MOZART & FRIENDS

Ensemble 360

Crucible Playhouse, Sheffield
Tuesday 8 September 2026, 2.00pm

Tickets:
£5 / carers free

Book Tickets

MOZART Oboe Quartet (15’)
HAYDN Flute Quartet No.1 in D (15’)
MOZART Quintet for glass harmonica, flute, oboe, viola and cello (15’)

For this ‘Relaxed’ concert of music by Mozart and his friend, Joseph Haydn, doors will be left open, lights raised, a break-out space provided, and there will be less emphasis on the audience being quiet during the performance.  

People with an Autism Spectrum, sensory or communication disorder or learning disability, those with age-related impairments and parents/carers with babies are all especially welcome.

Save 20% when you book for 10 or more Music in the Round Sheffield concerts in one transaction.
Save 10% when you book for 5 or more Music in the Round Sheffield concerts in one transaction. Find out more.

“Lots of places say they’re accessible but aren’t. You’ve just done it right.”

Audience feedback, Relaxed Concert 2025

STORYBOOK CONCERT: THE STORM WHALE

Ensemble 360

Chelmsford Theatre Studio, Chelmsford
Tuesday 2 June 2026, 11.00am / 1.30pm

Tickets
from £8.00

Book Tickets

A brand-new storybook concert, based on the modern classic book series by Benji Davies.

The Storm Whale tells the story of a child, and a whale washed up on the beach,  and friendships that will change their lives forever and echo down the generations. These heart-warming tales of friendship, love and courage are brought to life through music specially written to accompany the book by our Children’s Composer-in-Residence, Paul Rissmann.  

Perfect for 3 to 7 year-olds, this illustrated and narrated storybook concert is brought to life by Music in the Round, the producers of previous popular storybook concerts Izzy GimzoGiddy Goat and Sir Scallywag. It is a wonderful introduction to a live concert experience, brimming with wonderful music, memorable songs, images from the book and plenty of chances to join in.

The Storm Whale tells a simple but powerful story about loneliness and the love between a parent and child… The world may be as big and lonely and incomprehensible as the ocean, but still it’s possible to find tremendous, heart-stopping tenderness.” The New York Times on the book

With many thanks to all our funders, including:

The Sarah Nulty Power of Music Foundation, The JG Graves Charitable Trust, Sheffield Town Trust and Wise Music Foundation

“The musicians did a wonderful job of introducing the young audience to enjoyment of the theatre, live music and engaging story-telling. Proof of their success [were] the lines of excited children coming up to meet the musicians who had gathered in the foyer with their instruments.”

The Yorkshire Post (on a previous Music in the Round storybook concert)

FAMILY CONCERT: THE STORM WHALE

Ensemble 360

The Place, Bedford
Tuesday 26 May 2026, 1.30pm

Tickets
from £8.00

Book Tickets

A brand-new storybook concert, based on the modern classic book series by Benji Davies.

The Storm Whale tells the story of a child, and a whale washed up on the beach,  and friendships that will change their lives forever and echo down the generations. These heart-warming tales of friendship, love and courage are brought to life through music specially written to accompany the book by our Children’s Composer-in-Residence, Paul Rissmann.  

Perfect for 3 to 7 year-olds and their families, this illustrated and narrated storybook concert is brought to Cast with Music in the Round, the producers of previous popular family concerts Izzy GimzoGiddy Goat and Sir Scallywag. It is a wonderful introduction to a live concert experience, brimming with wonderful music, memorable songs, images from the book and plenty of chances to join in.

The Storm Whale tells a simple but powerful story about loneliness and the love between a parent and child… The world may be as big and lonely and incomprehensible as the ocean, but still it’s possible to find tremendous, heart-stopping tenderness.” The New York Times on the book

With many thanks to all our funders, including:

The Sarah Nulty Power of Music Foundation, The JG Graves Charitable Trust, Sheffield Town Trust and Wise Music Foundation

“The musicians did a wonderful job of introducing the young audience to enjoyment of the theatre, live music and engaging story-telling. Proof of their success [were] the lines of excited children coming up to meet the musicians who had gathered in the foyer with their instruments.”

The Yorkshire Post (on a previous Music in the Round storybook concert)

FAMILY CONCERT: THE STORM WHALE

Ensemble 360

Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa
Sunday 8 March 2026, 11.30am

Tickets
£9 children
£15 adults
£42 family ticket (2 adults + 2 children)

Past Event

A brand-new storybook concert, based on the modern classic book series by Benji Davies.

The Storm Whale tells the story of a child, and a whale washed up on the beach,  and friendships that will change their lives forever and echo down the generations. These heart-warming tales of friendship, love and courage are brought to life through music specially written to accompany the book by our Children’s Composer-in-Residence, Paul Rissmann.  

Perfect for 3 to 7 year-olds and their families, this is an illustrated and narrated storybook concert from Music in the Round, the producers of previous popular family concerts Izzy GimzoGiddy Goat and Sir Scallywag. It is a wonderful introduction to a live concert experience, brimming with wonderful music, memorable songs, images from the book and plenty of chances to join in.

The Storm Whale tells a simple but powerful story about loneliness and the love between a parent and child… The world may be as big and lonely and incomprehensible as the ocean, but still it’s possible to find tremendous, heart-stopping tenderness.” The New York Times on the book

With many thanks to all our funders, including:

The Sarah Nulty Power of Music Foundation, The JG Graves Charitable Trust, Sheffield Town Trust and Wise Music Foundation

“The musicians did a wonderful job of introducing the young audience to enjoyment of the theatre, live music and engaging story-telling. Proof of their success [were] the lines of excited children coming up to meet the musicians who had gathered in the foyer with their instruments.”

The Yorkshire Post (on a previous Music in the Round storybook concert)

FAMILY CONCERT: THE STORM WHALE

Junction, Goole
Sunday 22 February 2026, 1.00pm
Past Event

A brand-new storybook concert, based on the modern classic book series by Benji Davies.

The Storm Whale tells the story of a child, and a whale washed up on the beach,  and friendships that will change their lives forever and echo down the generations. These heart-warming tales of friendship, love and courage are brought to life through music specially written to accompany the book by our Children’s Composer-in-Residence, Paul Rissmann.  

Perfect for 3 to 7 year-olds and their families, this illustrated and narrated storybook concert is brought to Cast with Music in the Round, the producers of previous popular family concerts Izzy GimzoGiddy Goat and Sir Scallywag. It is a wonderful introduction to a live concert experience, brimming with wonderful music, memorable songs, images from the book and plenty of chances to join in.

The Storm Whale tells a simple but powerful story about loneliness and the love between a parent and child… The world may be as big and lonely and incomprehensible as the ocean, but still it’s possible to find tremendous, heart-stopping tenderness.” The New York Times on the book

With many thanks to all our funders, including:

The Sarah Nulty Power of Music Foundation, The JG Graves Charitable Trust, Sheffield Town Trust and Wise Music Foundation

“The musicians did a wonderful job of introducing the young audience to enjoyment of the theatre, live music and engaging story-telling. Proof of their success [were] the lines of excited children coming up to meet the musicians who had gathered in the foyer with their instruments.”

The Yorkshire Post (on a previous Music in the Round storybook concert)

FAMILY CONCERT: THE STORM WHALE

Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford on Avon
Saturday 14 February 2026, 2.00pm

Tickets
£15
£10 U12s

Past Event

A brand-new storybook concert, based on the modern classic book series by Benji Davies.

The Storm Whale tells the story of a child, and a whale washed up on the beach,  and friendships that will change their lives forever and echo down the generations. These heart-warming tales of friendship, love and courage are brought to life through music specially written to accompany the book by our Children’s Composer-in-Residence, Paul Rissmann.  

Perfect for 3 to 7 year-olds and their families, this illustrated and narrated storybook concert is brought to Wiltshire Music Centre with Music in the Round, the producers of previous popular family concerts Izzy GimzoGiddy Goat and Sir Scallywag. It is a wonderful introduction to a live concert experience, brimming with wonderful music, memorable songs, images from the book and plenty of chances to join in.

The Storm Whale tells a simple but powerful story about loneliness and the love between a parent and child… The world may be as big and lonely and incomprehensible as the ocean, but still it’s possible to find tremendous, heart-stopping tenderness.” The New York Times on the book

With many thanks to all our funders, including:

The Sarah Nulty Power of Music Foundation, The JG Graves Charitable Trust, Sheffield Town Trust and Wise Music Foundation

“The musicians did a wonderful job of introducing the young audience to enjoyment of the theatre, live music and engaging story-telling. Proof of their success [were] the lines of excited children coming up to meet the musicians who had gathered in the foyer with their instruments.”

The Yorkshire Post (on a previous Music in the Round storybook concert)

FAMILY CONCERT: IZZY GIZMO

Lucy Drever & Ensemble 360

Crucible Theatre, Sheffield
Saturday 16 May 2026, 11.00am

Tickets:
£13
£7 UC, PIP & DLA
£5 Under 16s

Book Tickets

RISSMANN Izzy Gizmo (60’)  

By popular request, Izzy Gizmo is back! Perfect for 3–7 year-olds, this delightful family concert is based on the best-selling children’s book ‘Izzy Gizmo’ by Pip Jones, illustrated by Sara Ogilvie. 

The book tells the enchanting story of an intrepid young inventor who puts her talents to work to rescue a crow that can’t fly. This family concert brings Izzy’s mechanical marvels and infectious creative spirit to life. 

Original music by Paul Rissmann features instruments including strings, woodwind, horn and piano, and you might even spot the musicians playing pots, pans, whistles and household items!  

Together with story-telling and visuals from the book, this concert is a great introduction to live music for children. It’s full of wit, invention, songs and actions, and plenty of opportunities to join in. 

Save 20% when you book for 10 or more Music in the Round Sheffield concerts in one transaction. 
Save 10% when you book for 5 or more Music in the Round Sheffield concerts in one transaction. Find out more. 

FAMILY CONCERT: THE STORM WHALE

Ensemble 360

Cast, Doncaster
Saturday 25 April 2026, 11.00am

Tickets
from £6.00

Past Event

A brand-new storybook concert, based on the modern classic book series by Benji Davies.

The Storm Whale tells the story of a child, and a whale washed up on the beach,  and friendships that will change their lives forever and echo down the generations. These heart-warming tales of friendship, love and courage are brought to life through music specially written to accompany the book by our Children’s Composer-in-Residence, Paul Rissmann.  

Perfect for 3 to 7 year-olds and their families, this illustrated and narrated storybook concert is brought to Cast with Music in the Round, the producers of previous popular family concerts Izzy GimzoGiddy Goat and Sir Scallywag. It is a wonderful introduction to a live concert experience, brimming with wonderful music, memorable songs, images from the book and plenty of chances to join in.

The Storm Whale tells a simple but powerful story about loneliness and the love between a parent and child… The world may be as big and lonely and incomprehensible as the ocean, but still it’s possible to find tremendous, heart-stopping tenderness.” The New York Times on the book

With many thanks to all our funders, including:

The Sarah Nulty Power of Music Foundation, The JG Graves Charitable Trust, Sheffield Town Trust and Wise Music Foundation

“The musicians did a wonderful job of introducing the young audience to enjoyment of the theatre, live music and engaging story-telling. Proof of their success [were] the lines of excited children coming up to meet the musicians who had gathered in the foyer with their instruments.”

The Yorkshire Post (on a previous Music in the Round storybook concert)

CLOSE-UP FAMILY CONCERT: MUSIC FOR CURIOUS YOUNG MINDS

Ensemble 360

Cast, Doncaster
Saturday 21 February 2026, 11.00am

Tickets
from £6.50

Past Event

A lively family concert featuring four string musicians (violins, viola and cello) and a presenter. Together they breathe life into the wondrous world of chamber music.

They’ll play well-known classical favourites from Beethoven, Mozart, Schubert and more.

Perfect for 7-11-year-olds, this lively, interactive concert is a great introduction to classical music, and a chance for those who’ve enjoyed our storybook concerts to delve a little deeper.

FAMILY CONCERT: THE STORM WHALE

Ensemble 360 & Lucy Drever

Crucible Theatre, Sheffield
Saturday 11 October 2025, 10.30am / 1.30pm

Tickets:
£13
£7 UC, PIP & DLA
£5 Under 16s

Past Event

A brand-new storybook concert, based on the modern classic book series by Benji Davies.

The Storm Whale tells the story of a child, and a whale washed up on the beach,  and friendships that will change their lives forever and echo down the generations. These heart-warming tales of friendship, love and courage are brought to life through music specially written to accompany the book by our Children’s Composer-in-Residence, Paul Rissmann.  

Perfect for 37-year-olds, this is a fun introduction to a live concert experience, brimming with wonderful music, memorable songs, images from the book and plenty of chances to join in. 

The Storm Whale tells a simple but powerful story about loneliness and the love between a parent and child… The world may be as big and lonely and incomprehensible as the ocean, but still it’s possible to find tremendous, heart-stopping tenderness.” The New York Times on the book

Save 20% when you book for 10 or more Music in the Round concerts in one transaction. 
Save 10% when you book for 5 or more Music in the Round concerts in one transaction. Find out more. 

With many thanks to all our funders, including:

The Sarah Nulty Power of Music Foundation, Gripple Foundation, JG Graves Charitable Trust, Sheffield Town Trust and Wise Music Foundation

“The musicians did a wonderful job of introducing the young audience to enjoyment of the theatre, live music and engaging story-telling. Proof of their success [were] the lines of excited children coming up to meet the musicians who had gathered in the foyer with their instruments.”

The Yorkshire Post (on a previous Music in the Round storybook concert)