VOICES and handkerchiefs at the ready for Co Tyrone writer Emma Hetherington's latest creative adventure.
The novelist, who has had seven titles published and a four-book deal with publishing giant Harper Collins, stages her first children's musical this month.
The 39-year-old from near Dungannon first began developing the concept of Scarecrow Fred with a short story to mark World Book Day a number of years ago.
The arrival of her fourth child, Sonny James, in October 2104 put a halt to its progress, but Emma is delighted that she has got the show from script to stage with the support of the Arts Council through the ACES scheme.
Aimed at three to 10 year olds, the musical contains plenty of interaction, colour and live singing as you would expect with a kids show – but it also tackles the very serious subject of childhood grief.
"Scarecrow Fred tells the story of a young boy Jack who lives on a farm with his family and a very funny donkey, pig and cow," explains the author.
"He makes a scarecrow to remember his late father and they become best friends. The story follows Jack through his life and it explores the meaning of friendship through song, dance and lots of audience interaction.
"It takes you on an emotional journey with some laugh out loud moments and very touching moments of sadness as it deals with some real life issues and a great big sing-along happy ending."
The death of her own mother from a heart attack at the age of 36, when Emma was just 15, was one of the main inspirations behind the musical.
"Thankfully times have changed in the past 25 years and we are now a lot more open to counselling rather than the old 'brush it under the carpet' way of dealing with things," she says, "but I hope the subtle message in my story opens up the opportunity for discussion on the subject should a parent, teacher or child need to raise it.
"It's my mum's 25th anniversary in May and my 40th birthday in April, so I'm delighted that this production has come to light to mark these big milestones.
"I just know if she was here she would be in the front row so and so proud since it's very much a family production."
Emma enjoyed working with partner Jim McKee, a renowned artist and songwriter, on the music for the show.
"We have had many laughs and late nights putting this all together," she reveals.
"During the show, Jim plays guitar, stomp box, harmonica and does backing vocals. The songs are all very original and catchy, from the Scarecrow Hop to moving ballads and even a bit of a T-Rex vibe."
Emma's brother David McCrory, an up and coming singer/songwriter, plays the title role of Scarecrow Fred.
"It's very much a family affair – so I have to be very nice in my methods of bossing them about," adds Emma, whose sister Rachel Molloy is running the make-up department.
Completing the cast is experienced actor Sarah Jane Nugent, who plays the role of Cow, Conor Begley as Jack, Deaglan Arthurs as Pig and Jordan Donnelly in the role of the Donkey.
Although in rehearsals Emma has found herself thinking of her childhood favourite Worzel Gummidge and the scarecrow from the Wizard of Oz, she believes that "our
Fred is original enough to stand alone – pardon the pun," she laughs.
And why did she decide to call him Fred?
"The story is about friendship and I wanted a name that rhymed with friend – and along came Fred. He really does feel like a real person now."
Having written her first script –a pantomime – back in 2007 for Donaghmore's Bardic Theatre and gone on to write many plays and short films for audiences of all ages, mainly with an educational theme, this time Emma is stepping out of her comfort zone as she is also producing and directing Scarecrow Fred.
"It's a long overdue step and I am delighted to have such a strong cast and creative team around me to make this happen," she tells me.
"The biggest challenge for me is my hope to really please the audience – and there is no more critical audience than children."
Emma, who dreams of owning her own production company to independently create original drama and musicals for both children and adults, believes Scarecrow Fred "could be the beginning of something very special".
However, she hasn't given up on writing chick-lit: she's just finished her next novel, The Legacy of Lucy Harte, which will be published next August by Harper Impulse, a 'digital first' imprint that publishes 'fun and fast' romantic fiction for women.
"It tells the story of Maggie O'Hara whose life is taken in a whole new direction when she meets the family of the little girl who once saved her life," explains Emma.
"It is a moving story of spiritual growth and romance and I have dug deep for this one."
:: Scarecrow Fred comes to Coalisland's CRAIC theatre on March 19 and 20 at 3pm. Tickets from CRAIC theatre box office or telephone 028 8774 1100.
