Name: Spring Opera Showcase 2026
Start: 2026-05-16T19:00:00
Location: Clonter Opera Theatre

Clonter Opera Theatre in Congleton, UK, is set to host a series of captivating events that celebrate the diversity of musical arts. From the thrilling Opera Prize competition to intimate musical afternoons with 'Tea With... Songs From The Shows', and a nostalgic journey through French songs with Christine Bovill’s PARIS, the theatre promises an exciting line-up. Not to forget, performances by Jeremy Sassoon and the enchanting 'Sailor Swift - 400 Years of Song' will captivate audiences with their diverse musical renditions.

A Musical Odyssey at Clonter Opera Theatre: A Celebration of Arts and Talent

Clonter Opera Theatre

Contestants nominated by the UK’s leading conservatoires, compete for a prize before a distinguished panel of judges. The audience collectively act as one judge. The audience’s vote is also revealed.

This event is perfect for anyone who is either interested in spotting emerging talent, and enjoys following singers’ careers, or for an opera novice, who would like to dip their toe in the operatic water, getting a taster from a wide range of operas, before committing to a whole one.

Opera Prize

This increasingly popular Clonter event consists of an hour of music, followed by traditional afternoon tea. The tea itself includes smoked salmon, cream cheese and cucumber, and egg mayonnaise sandwiches, with the crusts cut off, followed by a tiered cake stand presented to your table with an assortment of goodies, which include a freshly baked scone with whipped cream and strawberry jam (the Devon way), orange and walnut flapjack, chocolate cake, and a very juicy strawberry. Accompanied by an all-important cup of tea or fresh coffee, served in rosebud china and ceramic teapots. This is preceded by an hour of musical entertainment, presented by two singers and a pianist, under the swagged red organza and brass chandelier, banqueting style in the intimacy of the Ramsey Room at Clonter.

Tea With... Songs From Thw Shows

The premise of the show is that the friendly ghost of a sailor haunts an old pub, meeting and talking with people through the centuries, the famous and infamous, observing the changing world with a smile and a quick wit, singing popular songs from times gone by.

A happy mixture of music hall, pantomime, standup comedy, rowdy back room folk clubs, with moments of utter beauty and breathtaking audacity, it is a unique experience. It’s full of laughter, singalongs, history, poetry, philosophy and life affirming fun. It’s one of the very best things I’ve ever seen.

Sailor Swift - 400 Years Of Song

Award winning chanteuse, Christine Bovill has built her reputation on the massively successful sell-out show, PIAF.

In “Christine Bovill’s PARIS”, she beckons you back to the Golden Age of French Song; a demi-monde of heroes and outcasts, cynics and bruised romantics. With drama, pathos and pizzazz, the show casts a sepia-tinged spotlight on the songs and stories of Jacques Brel, Edith Piaf, Barbara, Juliet Greco, Charles Aznavour and more…

Celebrating some of the greatest hits of the 20th century in both English and French, the show includes My Way, What Now My Love, Autumn Leaves, La Vie En Rose, Let It Be Me, No Regrets, She, Amsterdam…

Come and be transported into a Parisian scented twilight world of song.

PARIS – Christine Bovill

We are delighted to both welcome back Jeremy Sassoon and host the launch of his brand new album “Older and Wiser“.

Jeremy is one of the UK’s most in-demand singer pianist. Either solo or accompanied by his band, he captivates audiences with his natural, soulful voice, his charismatic personality and his arrangements of jazz, blues, groove, and soul classics.

He has headlined sell-out shows at Ronnie Scotts, Pizza Express Soho, the 606 Club and the Jazz Café. He has performed at the North Sea Jazz Festival, The Iridium Jazz Club in New York and headlines twice a year at Berlin’s premier jazz club The “A Trane”.

Jeremy Sassoon - Older and Wiser - Album Launch

Spring Opera Showcase 2026

James is equally at home as a concert pianist. He has played concertos with the Philharmonia and the BBC Concert Orchestra amongst many others. His performance of Rachmaninoff’s 2nd Piano Concerto was broadcast on Classic FM and Gershwin’s Piano Concerto and Rhapsody in Blue on BBC Radio 2. With collaborations ranging from Paul McCartney to Wynton Marsalis, James is fast becoming one of the country’s most sought after pianists.

Recent commissions by the BFI and BBC have seen James back in the composing chair. The Big Smoke, commissioned by the BFI, is a collection of footage of London accompanied by an 80-minute score composed by James. His work can also be heard performed by Brodsky String Quartet, Sir John Dankworth, The BBC Concert Orchestra and The BBC Big Band.

Spring Opera Showcase 2026

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