Immerse yourself in the vibrant and comedic world of Rossini's masterpiece, "The Barber of Seville," at this year's Waterperry Opera Festival. Set against the stunning backdrop of Waterperry House, this headline opera promises an unforgettable experience filled with wit, charm, and Rossini's famous melodies. Join us for a series of performances on the 10th, 11th, 14th, 15th, and 17th of August 2024, where the bustling streets of Seville come to life on the Waterperry Main Stage.

The story unfolds with the clever and quick-witted Figaro, the barber extraordinaire, as he devises a plan to help his friend, Count Almaviva, win the heart of the beautiful Rosina. Through a series of hilarious disguises and mischievous schemes, they navigate the challenges posed by Rosina's overbearing guardian, Dr. Bartolo, who has his own matrimonial plans for her. This production, performed in English with a translation by Christopher Cowell, features a talented cast including Brenton Spiteri as Count Almaviva, Esme Bronwen-Smith as Rosina, and Patrick Alexander Keefe as Figaro, under the direction of John Wilkie and the baton of conductor Charlotte Corderoy.

Performances start at 6:30pm, featuring an extended dining interval, and conclude at approximately 9:45pm. General booking opens on April 11, with priority booking available for festival supporters. Don't miss this opportunity to experience Rossini's effervescent arias and lively melodies in a production that celebrates love, laughter, and the triumph of cunning over force.

For tickets and further information, visit the Waterperry Opera Festival's official website. Join us for an evening of unforgettable opera under the stars at the Waterperry Main Stage.

The Barber of Seville

Waterperry House

Immerse yourself in the chilling and captivating world of Benjamin Britten's operatic masterpiece, "The Turn of the Screw," presented at the Waterperry Opera Festival. This haunting tale of supernatural mystery and psychological drama unfolds on the intimate and unique stage of the Waterperry Amphitheatre, offering audiences an unforgettable experience.

Set against the eerie backdrop of Bly House, the opera tells the story of a young governess sent to care for two orphaned children, Flora and Miles. What begins as an innocent assignment soon spirals into a nightmarish ordeal as the governess encounters strange apparitions and seeks to protect her charges from sinister forces lurking within the estate.

This gripping production, performed in English, features a talented cast including Charlotte Bowden as the Governess, Robin Bailey as Prologue/Quint, Sian Dicker as Miss Jessel, and Georgia Mae Ellis as Mrs. Grose. Under the direction of Rebecca Meltzer and with Bertie Baigent conducting, the creative team brings to life the eerie and suspenseful atmosphere of Britten's work, complemented by the stunning set and costume designs of April Dalton.

Performances are scheduled for the 9th, 13th, and 16th of August 2024, starting at 7:30pm and concluding at 9:45pm, with a short 30-minute interval. The event is suitable for audiences aged 10 and above, offering a spellbinding experience that will leave you on the edge of your seat.

General booking opens on April 11, with priority booking available for festival supporters. Don't miss your chance to witness this operatic treasure at the Waterperry Opera Festival, a production supported by Gini & Richard Gabbertas, Kaye & David Lillycrop, and Malcolm Herring. Join us for an evening of thrilling music and storytelling at the Waterperry Amphitheatre.

The Turn of the Screw

Join us for the grand finale of the Waterperry Opera Festival with "Last Night at the Opera" on August 18th, starting at 7:00pm on the Waterperry Main Stage. This one-night-only event promises an unforgettable evening under the stars, featuring our exceptional Festival orchestra. Led by the internationally acclaimed conductor, Bertie Baigent, and hosted by Guy Verrall-Withers, the evening will showcase a gala concert filled with operatic favorites, enchanting duets, and the mesmerizing harmonies of composers like Mozart and Tchaikovsky.

Set against the picturesque backdrop of Waterperry House and Gardens, the concert will run until 9:15pm, including a 30-minute interval to enjoy the surroundings. This open-air classical concert is designed to captivate both the opera aficionados and newcomers alike, offering an elegant yet casual setting for families, children, and music lovers of all ages.

The gala concert will feature performances in English by a talented cast, including soprano Jessica Cale, mezzo Samantha Price, tenor Xavier Hetherington, and baritone Jerome Knox. This is a unique opportunity to experience the power of live opera and the beauty of classical music in an accessible and welcoming environment.

General booking opens on April 11, with priority booking available for festival supporters. Don't miss your chance to be part of this magical summer evening at the Waterperry Opera Festival.

Last Night at the Opera

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of classical music and storytelling at the Waterperry Opera Festival, featuring the beloved family show "Peter and the Wolf." Set against the picturesque backdrop of Waterperry Gardens, this magical performance is scheduled for the 10th, 11th, and 17th of August 2024, with captivating 30-minute shows at 1pm and 3pm.

"Peter and the Wolf," a musical tale composed by Sergei Prokofiev, is brought to life through a unique blend of narration, puppetry, and a talented quintet, where each character is vividly represented by a different instrument. This family-friendly adventure follows young Peter as he ventures into a magical forest on a daring quest to capture a cunning wolf, offering a perfect introduction to classical music for young audiences.

Directed by Guy Verrall-Withers and choreographed by Julia Cave, the performance promises an unforgettable experience with its whimsical setting, beautiful musicianship, and stellar storytelling. Storytellers Jonathan Mewett and Lizzie Buckingham guide the audience through this timeless tale, making it a joyous and gently educational event for all ages.

In addition to the performances, children's workshops are available on the 10th and 17th of August, providing an interactive opportunity for young ones to dive deeper into the world of "Peter and the Wolf."

General booking opens on the 11th of April, with priority booking available for festival supporters. Don't miss this enchanting family show that combines the magic of music, narration, and puppetry in the heart of Waterperry Gardens.

Peter and the Wolf

Waterperry Gardens

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Immerse yourself in an evening of enchanting music at the Waterperry Opera Festival with the premiere dramatic staging of Jonathan Dove's song cycles in "Nights Not Spent Alone." This captivating event is set to take place in the intimate and historic Waterperry House Ballroom on the 15th, 16th, and 17th of August 2024, offering audiences a unique blend of poetry and music.

The performance features a selection of Dove's most intimate and witty song cycles for Mezzo-Soprano and Piano, including the evocative "Nights Not Spent Alone," based on poems by Edna St. Vincent Millay, alongside "My Love is Mine," "Five Am'rous Sighs," and "All You Who Sleep Tonight." This thought-provoking and seductive performance is enhanced by a compelling mise-en-scène, promising an unforgettable experience in the wonderful acoustics and ambiance of the Waterperry House Ballroom.

The music, composed by Jonathan Dove and performed in English, is licensed by arrangement with Peters Edition Limited, London. The creative team behind this mesmerizing event includes Musical Director Ashley Beauchamp, Director Thomas Henderson, and Singer Hannah Bennett, ensuring an evening of high-quality musical and theatrical artistry.

General booking for "Nights Not Spent Alone" opens on the 11th of April, with priority booking available for festival supporters. This is a unique opportunity to experience the dramatic staging of Dove's song cycles in an intimate setting, making it a must-see event at the Waterperry Opera Festival. Don't miss your chance to be part of this special musical journey.

Nights Not Spent Alone

Immerse yourself in the serene beauty of classical music with "Serenades" at the Waterperry Opera Festival, set against the picturesque backdrop of Waterperry Gardens. This unique event, taking place on the 16th and 18th of August 2024, offers a daytime concert experience designed to welcome everyone, including those with learning disabilities, access requirements, or young families. Breaking away from the constraints of traditional theatre etiquette, Serenades invites its audience to enjoy performances in a relaxed, comfortable setting within the Garden Glade from 2pm to approximately 3pm.

Featuring the enchanting compositions of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, such as the Divertimento in D and Eine Kleine Nachtmusik, alongside Fanny Mendelssohn's String Quartet in E-Flat Major, the event promises a tranquil escape into the world of classical music. The performances are curated to provide an accessible and laid-back atmosphere, ensuring a warm and welcoming experience for all attendees.

In addition to the musical feast, ticket holders will be granted free access to the gardens, allowing for a perfect blend of music and nature. This initiative not only showcases the festival's commitment to inclusivity but also enhances the overall experience by connecting attendees with the surrounding beauty of Waterperry Gardens.

General booking for Serenades opens on the 11th of April, with priority booking available for festival supporters. This event is a must-attend for anyone looking to enjoy classical music in a relaxed setting, promising an afternoon of delightful melodies and peaceful garden vistas.

Serenades

Come and see our Young Artists present a Gala concert comprising of selected arias and ensembles from a variety of different operas. This is an exclusive opportunity to witness the talent of the next generation of bright opera stars in the intimate setting of the Waterperry House ballroom.

Young Artist Gala

This event is open to all Waterperry Opera Festival audience members aged 10+. No experience needed, and there is no requirement to be able to read music.

Come and Sing with Waterperry Opera Festival

The remarkably talented participants of the Oxford Piano Festival receive masterclasses from some of the world’s leading authorities on piano. The repertoire list for the masterclasses will be available to view from 20 July 2024 on our website.

Marios Papadopoulos Masterclass

St Hilda's College

Marilyn Engle Masterclass

Stephen Kovacevich Masterclass

Kathryn Stott Masterclass

Prince Beowulf has answered a neighboring kingdom’s call for aid when they are set upon by a vicious monster called Grendel. Quinlan’s adaptation from the translation by Francis Barton Gummere brings to life the quintessential adventure epic, concluding in the iconic clash of epic poetry’s most legendary characters.

Beowulf and Grendel

Oxford Playhouse

Multi award-winning Musical Youth Company of Oxford were due to produce this iconic and much loved musical at ThePlayhouse in April 2020 but lockdown supervened. Principals and ensemble from the original production have now united with members of the present company to bring a semi-staged version to Oxford

Chess The Musical

Based on the beloved book, the Olivier Award-nominated smash hit show, The Tiger Who Came to Tea returns to Oxford Playhouse.

The doorbell rings just as Sophie and her mummy are sitting down to tea. Who could it possibly be?

The Tiger Who Came To Tea

Grandfather, father and son seek refuge in an abandoned old house and what else to do but tell tales? And when one of them is Pinocchio there are quite the tales to tell!

Stuff and Nonsense combine classic elements of the story of the wooden boy with a nose that grows with their outstanding puppetry, physical theatre and original music to delight children and adults’ imaginations.

Pinocchio

When Sally finds that her artist husband Jack is losing interest in painting, she gradually learns that the problem is much deeper than it seems at first. With the support of her daughter Keira, they go on a journey of learning to understand and manage his condition with compassion, warmth, humour and love.

Remember Me

Robert Louis Stevenson’s 1883 classic is brought to life with theatrical magic on the beautiful South Lawn of Wycliffe Hall.

Jim has three visitors and life is never the same again. This journey of discovery and betrayal is re-imagined in an inventive theatrical adaptation by Gari Jones, whose ‘Christmas Carol’ for Creation delighted audiences last Christmas at the North Wall.

Whilst retaining the narrative of Stevenson’s classic, with depth, integrity, a dash of thriller and a large amount of silliness, Gari Jones’ adaptation zips along like a wacky race brimming with pirate speak, off-the-wall characters and a whole heap of sea shanties. Treasure Island will be performed on the beautiful lawn in front of Wycliffe Hall, as well as on tour in Oxfordshire and beyond.  Suitable for all ages.

Treasure Island

University of Oxford

Join us for an unforgettable evening as Lucy Pitman-Wallace, the award-winning director of  productions for the RSC, Lord Chamberlain’s Men, Nottingham Playhouse, and Salisbury Playhouse, brings a fresh twist to Shakespeare’s beloved comedy, As You Like It.

Transport yourself back to the 1970s, the era of peace, love, and endless summer nights, in an enchanting outdoor setting, a perfect backdrop for this tale of love and laughter.

Bring your friends, pack a picnic, and get ready to be transported to a world where romance and revelry reign supreme. As You Like It will be performed on the beautiful lawn in front of Wycliffe Hall.

Events in Oxford

The Barber of Seville

Waterperry Opera Festival

The Turn of the Screw

Waterperry Opera Festival

Last Night at the Opera

Waterperry Opera Festival

Peter and the Wolf

Waterperry Opera Festival

The Artelize Podcast and ...

Artelize

The Artelize Podcast - A ...

Artelize

The Artelize Podcast: A l...

Artelize

The Artelize Podcast and ...

Artelize

Nights Not Spent Alone

Waterperry Opera Festival

Serenades

Waterperry Opera Festival

Young Artist Gala

Waterperry Opera Festival

Come and Sing with Waterp...

Waterperry Opera Festival

Marios Papadopoulos Maste...

Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra

Marilyn Engle Masterclass...

Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra

Stephen Kovacevich Master...

Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra

Kathryn Stott Masterclass...

Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra

Beowulf and Grendel

Oxford Playhouse

Chess The Musical

Oxford Playhouse

The Tiger Who Came To Tea...

Oxford Playhouse

Pinocchio

Oxford Playhouse

Remember Me

Oxford Playhouse

Treasure Island

Creation Theatre

As You Like It

Creation Theatre