Little Red Riding Hood Song Book – Opus 77 (1994)

Also available in the following version:

• for Narrator and Chamber Orchestra / Ensemble. Opus 77b

and the full Little Red Riding Hood, with text by Roald Dahl/Donald Sturrock:

• Symphony Orchestra. Opus 73
• Chamber Orchestra. Opus 73b
• Symphonic Wind Band. Opus 73c
• Narrator (1-3) and Solo Piano. Opus 73d

Text: Brendan Beals

Programme Note
Commissioned by Cantamus Girls’ Choir and first performed 1994 at the Royal Academy of Music London, conducted by Pamela Cook with Brian Kay, narrator.

Paul Patterson’s Little Red Riding Hood has long been a favourite work for both children and adults alike and this Songbook, for treble voices, narrator and piano, tells a little bit more about each of the characters in the tale with a very witty (and sometimes irreverent) text by Brendan Beales.

The first tells of Red Riding Hood’s devious nature, the second of the Wolf’s love of food and the third of Grandma’s love of alcohol! The fourth song is a Requiem for Grandma and the fifth tells us of Red Riding Hood’s triumph over the Wolf.

Reviews of live and television perfomances

“Roald Dahl understood what made children tick, so I reckon he would have approved of this stunning adaptation of his Little Red Riding Hood…Unmissable! ”
Daily Mail

“This lyrical and witty music…. gave the day’s broadcasts a touch of appealing originality that deserved boasting about.”
Robert Maycock, The Independent

“An earthy and wickedly funny story for all ages. But this enchanting version is definitely not for the over sentimental…. The choreography, music and costume designs are simply stunning…. Wonderful stuff.”
Andrew Preston, The Daily Express

“Hilarious and great fun.”
News of the World

“Using a combination of balletic choreography and animatronic techniques, director Donald Sturrock has made a beautiful adaptation of Dahl’s wickedly witty version of the familiar tale.”
The Observer

“Danny DeVito’s voiceover strikes just the right balance between cuddly humour and wickedness.. the animal masks are hugely expressive. Should appeal just as much to adults as to kids.”
Time Out

“Danny DeVito’s voiceover strikes just the right balance between cuddly humour and wickedness.. the animal masks are hugely expressive. Should appeal just as much to adults as to kids.”
Time Out

“A superb puppet and animatronic adaptation of Dahl’s macabre alternative version of this familiar tale.”
The Guardian

“The woodland sets were beautifully created… Franz Welser-Most steered the London Philharmonic through Paul Patterson’s wonderful score.”
Matthew Bond, The Times

“This sumptuously-filmed fairy tale appeals to children and adults alike… The film contains some glorious music and brilliant special effects.”
Simon Rose, The Daily Mirror

“Bursting with wit, fantasy and imagination…”
Homes and Antiques