(From Birmingham)
'The Shoemaker'
A Christmas Opera for Children, by Robin Milford
Chorus of Mice BIRMINGHAM STUDIO (LADIES') CHORUS
Incidental Music by the BIRMINGHAM STUDIO STRING QUARTET and FLUTE, conducted by JOSEPH LEWIS

The Operetta is founded on one of Grimm's fairy tales. In the First Act, which takes place on the afternoon of Christmas Eve, we are introduced to the poor shoemaker and his wife, who are working away, anxious to get a lot of shoes finished that the King's retinue will be needing; but they cannot see how the work can be done in time. Their cat, Boots, cheers them up. When they have gone off, the mice enjoy themselves.

In Act II (11.30 on Christmas Eve), the mice, busily working at the unfinished shoes when the shoemaker is abed, are joined by the Merry Mouse from the Mill. They all sing and make merry The Merry Mouse has been sent by the King's steward for the shoes for the royal retinue.

The mice quickly finish the work, and are at play when the cat enters. They squeal and run away. Now the shoemaker and his wife come in. They have been watching the mice at work, and are delighted with their little friends' industry and kindness. After all have gone out, the mice enter, and go to bed, hanging up their stockings, which Santa Claus duly fills when they are asleep.