Old Market Square in Nottingham is set to take centre-stage this autumn as Opera North launches
its latest season at the Theatre Royal with a series of compelling images to be displayed around the
city and used online.
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 various instantly recognisable locations around the historic square.
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.”
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. 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.
The company’s latest season, which arrives at the Theatre Royal, Nottingham, in November, offers
magic, mystery and magnificent music in abundance. A revival of The Magic Flute sees James Brining
returning to Opera North to direct a production for all ages packed with fantasy, romance and
daring. The adventure sees Prince Tamino embarking on a quest to save Pamina, daughter of the
Queen of the Night, from the clutches of Sarastro, the Priest of the Sun, with plenty of surprises
along the way and Mozart’s breathtaking score underpinning all the action.
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.
Tickets for all performances are available from operanorth.co.uk and trch.co.uk
Performance Diary
THEATRE ROYAL, NOTTINGHAM
Wed 20 Nov 7pm A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Thu 21 Nov 7pm Ruddigore AD
Fri 22 Nov 7pm The Magic Flute
Sat 23 Nov 2.30pm The Magic Flute AD and BSL
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