Rockford’s Rock Opera by Sweetapple is an ecological musical story about extinction, biodiversity, the value of the natural world and bringing endangered species back from the brink. It was created by a group of friends (Matthew Sweetapple and Elaine Sweetapple, husband and wife, and comedian Steve Punt) in an attic in Barnet, Hertfordshire and was first launched on the web in 2008. Rockford’s Rock Opera is enjoyed in 100,000 schools all over the world. This year it is celebrating it’s 10th anniversary and is now in the process of being turned into a feature animated film! With a production budget of $38,000,000 it will be one of the UK’s
biggest-ever independent films.
The story is unique in it’s format and delivery; combining pictures, animation, songs and dialogue. It is a truly touching story with an important ecological message. In essence, it is a musical story about a boy from Battersea called Moog and his Dog, Rockford. The underlying message is that one day we’ll discover the greatest secret of all; how every species on earth can live together in harmony. The creators, who describe it as Jungle Book meets Jurassic Park, suggest it is aimed primarily at ages 6-12 years old.
I downloaded all four of the parts on my iPhone from the App store (part 1 is free, parts 2, 3 and 4 cost £1.99 each). Each app contains extras as well as the story itself; including the music, story background and useful learning material (did you know that 99.9% of all creatures that have ever lived may now be extinct?!) as well as links to environmental organizations and charities.
The story itself is a good combination of stills and CGI (some quite psychedelic; it took me back to the Beatles yellow submarine), supported by clear narration and varied styled music – some with singalong lyrics (one of my favorite touches). Not wishing to give too much of a spoiler, the story centers around Moog and his rescue dog Rockford from Battersea Dogs’ Home, who find themselves travelling across the sea of tranquility to an island called Infinity; home to the last creature of all extinct species. Here they encounter many fictional creatures, including a small yellow sticky creature with a green stripe called a Cocklebur Ink, a ten tentacle octopus called a Dectopus and a menacing guitar playing mantis called The Registrar, to name just a few. Moog and Rockford must race to the centre of the island against the backward flowing river to stop the extinction of all dogs and humans on earth. But, given humans were the cause of many of the islands creatures’ extinctions, not everyone wants them to succeed.
All four parts run to 2.5 hours in total but is divided into chapters, making it perfect for bedtimes or car journeys. It has no in app purchasing and does not require an internet connection, so it’s 100% safe for children to use unassisted.
I have to say I fell in love with this story. It really tugs on the heartstrings and inspires empathy in such an original way. It gets the message across very clearly, and is hard hitting, yet also simultaneously approaches it in a sensitive and tactful way; it is a delicate balance that has been achieved remarkably well.
The songs range from slow, emotional songs such as ‘This Tail is True’ to really rocky tunes like ‘I Am The Registrar’. My absolute favourite though, is the incredibly catchy ‘Tale of The Cocklebur Ick’. This one has literally not left my head! I think not least of all because it carries such a strong message and is so thought- provoking. That tale in itself can lead to many hours of valuable discussion; indeed there are entire lesson plans on the website to cover just that part of the story.
The website is filled with tonnes of useful information, from detailed lesson plans to practical ideas on how to protect our environment. It also has loads of other cool fun stuff too, so do check it out! RockfordsRockOpera.com
Giveaway!
I have an awesome Rockford’s Rock Opera giveaway bundle for one reader to win! Enter via rafflecopter below. UK only. Competition ends on 8th July 2018.
Good Luck!
*I was given free access to the apps for the purpose of review and was compensated for my time. All thoughts and opinions are my own.Â
I love things like this for my girls-educational and fun
Sounds great for my little girl
Great idea!!
This looks great and fun for the children to enjoy
wow love the sound of this I think it sounds amazing
I really love to win this. This is just lovely
Not heard of this before but it sounds a great storyline
I haven’t heard of this before – looks like a fun way to learn about the environment. Thanks for running this comp 😀
i love the sound of this
I would love to win this for my granddaughter. She loves anything musical, so she could bop away to her heart content. Thanks for the entry x
Looks great fun, my great-nieces and great-nephew (hope it’s OK to enter for them) will love the characters and definitely will love the songs and dancing around the room to them.
My grandsons love the creatures
Fantastic. Love fictional creatures
Fantastic idea. Love fictional creatures
What a wonderful idea. I love fictional creatures.
this sounds lovely xx
This sounds fantastic. I’d love to win this for my daughter.
Looks lie great entertainment for all the family!
looks good
Sounds great. I think the grandchildren would love this. Thank you for the opportunity to win this
This sounds great, the grandchildren would really enjoy it, and myself
I really like the look of this, sounds perfect
No app? Fantastic! I sigh a little when I see so often ‘just download the app …’
Looks fun and it’s good to see wholesome entertainment.
.
Great idea – Thanks for the review & giveaway
I think this looks like such a good idea. My daughter would really enjoy.
this look like something id love for my niece, great review x
my grandaughter would love this
Great idea, count me in
This sounds fantastic, my kids would love it – and I like that you don’t need wifi as on car journeys that is a pain.
This looks fabulous, love the story x
This looks really good
sounds brilliant, fingers crossed x
looks great my daughter would love it
Sounds amazing with a great story and message.
Sounds amazing – id get as much entertainment as the young ones
Sounds absolutely amazing with a good story and message
Rockford Opera is amazing
Great for different ages, Ellie, my eldest grand-daughter would love the app.
such a good idea! Looks good
This looks good I would love to take my stepson to see this he would love it x
sounds amazing
Looks great
This sounds truly amazing and magical .A must for all children . They should show it in schools as it is gentle education
This looks amazing ?
Sounds a lovely story and I love the graphics!
wow this looks great, many thanks