Opera

New opera ‘Dorothy’ comes to Balham

Here at The Amazing Blog we love a bit of culture, especially when it involves a pub! This December (1st, 2nd and 3rd) we'll be heading down to the premier of a brand new opera called "Dorothy" debuting at Theatre N16 at The Bedford in Balham.

The opera tells the story of Dorothy (no, not the one from The Wizard of Oz), who is imprisoned for her faith and sentenced to death, just for being a Christian. But worse than that, her husband-to-be abandons her and continues to berate her, all because of a belief that he can't understand. Before she is executed he challenges her to bring back fruit and flowers from heaven's garden to prove what she professes is true. But will she return to him, and will he finally believe...?

Dorothy” is brought to you by Secret Opera, an innovative opera company that likes to push the boundaries of traditional works and new commissions. The role of Dorothy will be played by up and coming sopranos Emma Newman-Young (www.londonsopranogirl.com)  on 1st and 3rd December, and Heather Heighway (www.heatherheighway.com/) on the 2nd. Dorothy’s betrothed is to be played by tenor Jack Tebbut, and the 8 part chorus by vocal ensemble ‘Pieces of Eight’.

What’s more, the opera is only 1 hour 30 minutes, with a 20 minute interval – so plenty of time for drinks before and after the performance – what’s not to like! The performance begins at 7:30pm, and you can buy your tickets  here (£15 for adults, £12 for concessions).

Opera in the Gardens at Chiswick House  

 

Here at The Amazing Blog  we love to find fun things to do with our summer nights! Despite being in the heart of London, we suffer from the typical ‘been there done that’ Londoner mentality. So when we heard about Garden Opera, a chance to try something brand new, we had to investigate.

 Focus Opera was founded in 2009 and aspires to tailor its productions to site specific locations using the physical space to create an arena in which the concept, drama, music and performers come together perfectly. Focus Opera have performed almost everywhere, from country houses to caverns, but this summer they will treat audiences to two evenings of spectacular opera in the beautiful gardens of Chiswick House. A fabulous way to make the most of the sun, the group are performing on Wednesday 2nd July, with a performance of the French play Barber of Seville, and then on Thursday 3rd July with the Italian opera Cosi Fan Tutte.

This is the second year the folks from Focus Opera will be serenading audiences at Chiswick House. It also happens to be the 10th anniversary of Opera in the Gardens at the Chiswick House, making it the perfect summertime celebration. Bring your blanket, chairs, and refreshments for a wonderful, opera filled picnic or come al fresco and purchase beer and wine on location. Both performances start at 7.30pm but guests can set up their chairs and picnics from 6pm, and enjoy a magical evening celebrating summer with friends!

Tickets are priced at £30 for adults, and £15 for children aged 5-15 are available here