Lucia di Lammermoor by Gaetano Donizetti

August 23rd, 27th, 29th and 31st August

Director: Thomas Guthrie

Conductor: Oliver Gooch

Designer: Ruth Paton

Madly in love…

One of the most revered of 19th century operas, Lucia di Lammermoor follows the fortunes of Lucia (Lucy Ashton) sister of the Lord of Lammermoor, and the enmity they have for the Ravenswood family. Lucia is in love with Edgardo of the Ravenswoods, but her brother Enrico, has other plans for her matrimony.

The opera is a gothic thriller, complete with ghostly apparitions, duels and acts of revenge. But it has become most famous for the elongated, so-called ‘mad scene’ in which Lucia, having murdered her imposed husband Arturo, embarks on one of the most challenging and thrilling arias in the entire repertoire, ‘Il dolce suono’.

To project Donizetti’s beautiful music to full advantage, we have reconfigured the seating so that the audience surrounds the stage, creating an immersive experience for this most powerful of dramas.

With a stellar cast directed by Thomas Guthrie, an innovative and award-winning British director, and conducted by Oliver Gooch, Lucia di Lammermoor is the magnificent centrepiece of the If Opera 2024 season.

For more information and tickets visit ifopera.com

Die Fledermaus by Johann Strauss II

August 24th and 28th

Director / Narrator: Simon Butteriss

Conductor: Thomas Blunt

A farcical story fizzing with disguises…

In the repertoire of opera houses throughout Europe, certain operettas have lost none of their sparkle. Chief among them is Johann Strauss’s effervescent Die Fledermaus, with its seemingly endless parade of gorgeous melodies and stirring waltzes. The opera is a whirlwind of romantic ruses, false identities, practical jokes, infidelities, confusions and Champagne.

This is a Fledermaus with a difference. In this specially staged and costumed performance, comic genius Simon Butteriss replaces the operetta’s original spoken dialogue with a racy and pacy narration that follows every twist and turn of this ludicrous tale. Witty, clever and with knowing nods to the present day, it is delivered with Butteriss’ customary flamboyance and panache. This unique presentation is “in short, the perfect blend of Viennese Schlagobers and English salt” (The Times) and not to be missed!

For more information and tickets visit ifopera.com

Roald Dahl’s Little Red Riding Hood

Sunday 25th August

Wolves aren’t always as clever as they think they are…

Little Red Riding Hood, from Roald Dahl’s wicked Revolting Rhymes, is brought to life in this sparkling musical adaptation by composer Paul Patterson. Join the Bristol Ensemble’s wind quintet and piano on a magical narrated journey through the Enchanted Forest with our heroine, Little Red Riding Hood, and one slightly dim wolf, whose dastardly deeds are thwarted at every turn by a cast of quirky characters.

Although ideal for 4- to 11-year-olds, it is also a sharply funny and inspiring treat for adults too. Soprano and vocal animateur Lynsey Docherty narrates this hilarious twist on the fairy-tale classic. It’s a short burst of pure magic that never fails to entertain, and a wonderful way to introduce budding musicians to the instruments of the orchestra.

Bring a picnic to enjoy before the show, treat yourself to an ice cream from Garbanzo’s and go on your own fairy tale adventure as you explore the secret pathways, hidden grotto and landscaped lawns of Belcombe Court’s glorious gardens.

There will be two performances of Little Red Riding Hood, the second will be BSL interpreted and a relaxed performance.

At this performance, we welcome people who will benefit from a more relaxed theatre environment, including those with hearing impairments who require British Sign Language interpretation.

For more information and tickets visit ifopera.com

If Opera Picnic Prom

JTQ – The James Taylor Quartet & Emma Smith

Monday 26th August

JTQ – THE JAMES TAYLOR QUARTET

Led by Hammond organ guru, James Taylor, JTQ stands with one foot planted in 2024, and the other, just as firmly, somewhere south of the 1970s. For more than 35 years The James Taylor Quartet have set the standard for the coolest sounds in funky jazz and have quietly become a byword for distinguished British creativity.

Featuring an expanded 6-piece line-up, including the incredible vocal talents of Yvvone Yanney, JTQ are perhaps best known and best loved for their unrivalled live performances – so don’t miss this opportunity to witness a true British music institution, live in concert.

Emma Smith – An Evening of Joyful Jazz

Emma has performed in venues ranging from the 02 Arena to the leading jazz clubs of New York City, as well as collaborating and recording with the likes of Michael Bublé, The Quincy Jones Orchestra and Robbie Williams.

She will be appearing with her own world-class trio of musicians: expect a wonderfully eclectic, but most of all fun, evening of world-class jazz.

For more information and tickets visit ifopera.com