Welsh National Opera to perform Peter Grimes, the Marriage of Figaro and the family friendly show Play Opera LIVE.
THE Welsh National Opera will be at Mayflower Theatre Southampton to perform Peter Grimes, the Marriage of Figaro and the family friendly show Play Opera Live.
Peter Grimes by Benjamin Britten is a tale of mystery, prejudice and tragedy set to a melodic score. It will be conducted by WNO music director Tomáš Hanus, with Melly Still making her WNO directorial debut.
The opera tells the story of fisherman Peter Grimes as he grapples with his inner demons when his coastal town community turn against him. Over the course of this opera, Peter’s fragile mental state unwinds and eventually collapses following a tragic incident involving a fishing apprentice in a storm, an incident that Peter knows he will inevitably be blamed for.
In his role debut, tenor Nicky Spence takes up the title role, making a much welcome return to WNO following performances in 2022’s The Makropulos Affair. The illustrious British mezzo soprano Dame Sarah Connolly will also make her role debut singing Auntie.
The second show of the WNO spring season is Tobias Richter’s colourful production of Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro, with Max Hoehn directing.
Joining the cast is soprano Erika Grimaldi in the role of Countess Almaviva. Michael Mofidian, Christina Gansch, Harriet Eyley, Giorgio Caoduro, Wyn Pencarreg, Jeffrey Lloyd-Roberts, Eiry Price, Monika Sawa and Julian Boyce all reprise their roles.
WNO’s Play Opera Live also returns this year with free fun activities delving into the world of opera in the foyer before the performances, with costumes, face painting and props on offer.
This interactive and educational family show is the perfect introduction to opera and classical music, which includes a musical adaptation by Ian Stephens of the family favourite book, We’re Going on a Bear Hunt. A tune made famous by Pavarotti and which featured in a series of Cornetto adverts, O sole mio, will also feature.
The WNO spring season at Mayflower Theatre Southampton runs from Wednesday 30th April until Saturday 3rd May. Tickets are priced from £20. To book, visit www. mayflower.org.uk or call the box office on 02380 711811.
