Coventry Pupils to Perform Musical Reimagining of Lady Godiva Story

Hundreds of schoolchildren from across Coventry will take centre stage on Friday 27 June 2025, performing a new musical adaptation of Lady Godiva’s Birthday Suit by local author Aaron Ashmore, with music by Kevin Stannard.

Taking place from 11am in Broadgate, Coventry city centre, beside the iconic Lady Godiva statue, the performance is part of Coventry Arts Week 2025 and brings together around 750 pupils from schools across the city to share their musical retelling of the legendary local story.

The project is a collaboration between Coventry Music, Coventry Cultural Education Partnership (CCEP), Child Friendly Cov, and national partners including the Royal Ballet and Opera. 

Every school in Coventry has been gifted a free copy of the musical to use in school, and many have already performed their own versions - making this city-wide celebration in Broadgate a fitting continuation of the project.

The musical has been a collaboration created and funded by Coventry Music, Child Friendly Cov and Etch & Pin, helping to make it widely accessible to schools.

Aaron Ashmore said: "To see so many young people bringing this story to life with such energy and creativity is incredibly inspiring. Lady Godiva is a symbol of courage and community - and that’s exactly what this performance is about."

Mark Steele, Coventry Music Lead and Chair of Coventry Cultural Education Partnership, added: "Having the opportunity to sing, dance and act with other pupils across the city is important to develop hidden talents and skills in students. We are look forward to the performance of an amazing cross-arts programme that features one of the city’s historic icons."

The performance takes place at 11am on Friday 27 June 2025 in Broadgate, Coventry City Centre, and is free for the public to attend.