East Lothian pupils premiere penicillin musical

East Lothian School children have premiered a new musical about antibiotics, ahead of a professional run at this year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe. 

Pupils from Gullane Primary School performed ‘The Mould That Changed The World’, a new musical that aims to raise awareness of superbugs, by Charades Musicals, at the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh this week. 

Gullane Primary School are the first school in the UK to perform the show. Children from Hitherfield Primary School in London will also present the show at London’s Science Museum on 4 July, before a professional production takes on a three week run at this year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe. 

‘The Mould That Changed The World’ tells the story of antibiotics, from the discovery of penicillin by Alexander Fleming in 1928, and ends in the present day with world leaders discussing the need for decisive action, to keep antibiotics working. 

Top antibiotics charity The British Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy teamed up with the University of Edinburgh and Charades Musicals to create the compelling story, which has been supported by Dr Catherine Calderwood, Chief Medical Officer of Scotland, and Professor Dame Sally Davies, Chief Medical Officer of England.  

Maureen Tremmel, Head Teacher, said: “Firstly, I want to thank everyone who supported our crowdfunding effort to raise funds for the venue hire - we really appreciate everyone’s support, it’s very much appreciated.

“The children have gained so much from being involved with this production – not only have they learned about famous Scots, inventions and medical discoveries, but the show also has a really important message about the future of antibiotics, which the young people have really taken on board – all in a fun and engaging way. 

“The children have really enjoyed working with the professional theatre company and musicians, it’s been a really fantastic experience. It has also been really wonderful seeing the children engage with the show and really throw themselves in to the production to make it a success. I am just so proud of them!”