The Children of Lir

This is a new adaptation of the Irish legend of the children of Lir. King of Ireland long ago, had four children. His wife, Eva, died, leaving him a tragic, mourning figure. Eventually he is besotted by Aife, and takes her as his second wife. Aife thinks she is competing for his affection with the four children, so casts an enchantment upon them. They are to remain as swans 'until the bell of the New God was heard in our land'. The children are doomed under the spell until they are released by the Christian priest Mocha, 'follower of Christ and of Parick'. A sad and yet beautiful story which, if you've not used it with children before, is well served in this Michael Scott version.