Following on from Fireworks Night, on November 6 our friends at Asia House hosted a sneak preview to our spring show for children and families – The Firework-Maker’s Daughter, based on Philip Pullman’s award-winning novel.
James Laing
The event gave an insight into the development of the opera as we prepare to start rehearsals in the New Year. It was also another chance for us to tell our funders about the work they’re kindly supporting and to excite more people into helping us bring this captivating new work to life!
Composer David Bruce spoke about his progress on the music – now very nearly finished! – before John Fulljames and designer Dick Bird revealed the inspiration behind their ideas for the set and costumes.
Puppet artists Steve Tiplady and Sally Todd from Indefinite Articles showed us how they conjure fairy-tale worlds into being by using just a sheet of cloth, an overhead projector, a little paper and some watercolour paints. Steve and Sally, who will perform in the show itself, magically made young audience volunteers Oliver and Phoebe change shape and disappear before our very eyes!
Counter-tenor James Laing – who will play the love-sick elephant Hamlet, among other characters – and accordionist Ian Watson rounded things off with their delicate performance of Hamlet’s lament as he yearns for the love of his life, the lady elephant Frangipani, far away in the zoo across the city.
The evening drew to a close with gingerbread and cup-cakes, lots of happy chatter – and one or two grown-up drinks.
For more details of the production and where you can catch it next year – either in the UK or the USA! – click here
If you would like to support our new writing for young people and make your own contribution to this very special project, please contact our fundraising manager Rebecca Redclift (rebeccaredclift@theoperagroup.co.uk) to find out how you can help.
Co-produced by The Opera Group and Opera North in association with ROH2 and Watford Palace Theatre
Co-commissioned by The Opera Group and ROH2
Orchestral Partner – CHROMA (UK) and Metropolis Ensemble (USA)
