Opera North launches its latest season at the Theatre Royal, Old Market Square, Nottingham
Old Market Square in Nottingham is set to take centre-stage this autumn as Opera North launches its latest season at the Theatre Royal.
The Leeds-based arts organization, which tours across the north of England, has created a series of impactful visuals specifically for Nottingham, with some of the principal singers from the upcoming season pictured in recognisable locations around the historic square.
Other initiatives to make it easier for audiences to come and experience opera include a matinee performance for easier travel, English subtitles at all performances, and sign-interpretation, audio description, and touch tours on selected dates.
The company’s latest season, which arrives at the Theatre Royal, Nottingham in November, will see a revival of The Magic Flute, directed by James Brining, where Prince Tamino embarks on a quest to save Pamina, daughter of the Queen of the Night, from the clutches of Sarastro, the Priest of the Sun.
The magic continues with A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Benjamin Britten’s take on Shakespeare’s much-loved comedy, featuring a host of well-known characters including Bottom the weaver and the mischievous Puck.
Completing the trio is Gilbert and Sullivan’s hilariously inventive Gothic parody, Ruddigore, with a reluctant villain and modest maiden joined by an assortment of amiable ghosts and scary professional bridesmaids. Directed by Jo Davies, the production was hailed as an instant classic in its first run.
Emily Simpson, director of audiences at Opera North, said: “Nottingham is one of our regular touring venues and opera is something the residents can feel proud of hosting as part of their wider cultural offer.
“By putting this well-known area of the city in the limelight, we’re looking to underline to residents that opera belongs to them – and, just like the city itself, that it offers a warm welcome to everyone, regardless of age or background.
“We invite the people of Nottingham to step into opera with us this autumn.”
A Midsummer Night’s Dream will be performed on Wednesday November 20 at 7pm, while Ruddigore AD will be performed on Thursday November 21 at 7pm, and The Magic Flute on Friday November 22 at 7pm and Saturday November 23 at 2.30pm.
New-to-opera ticket schemes are also available, encouraging newcomers to experience opera for the first time, including the Try it ON scheme offering £20 tickets for first-timers, and £10 tickets for Under 30s and students.
Tickets for all performances are available from operanorth.co.uk and trch.co.uk
