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If Opera – Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland

August 27, 2023 at 13:30 - 14:40

Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland Will Todd
Libretto by Maggie Gottlieb
Original commission by Opera Holland Park, based on designs by Leslie Travers

Director Lysanne van Overbeek
Conductor Mark Austin
With the If Opera Ensemble and resident orchestra Bristol Ensemble

Sung in English

Belcombe Court, Bradford on Avon

Running time approx. 1 hour

“Beg, borrow or steal a ticket for Alice in Wonderland – this show is FANTASTIC, pure life-affirming joy.”
Suzy Klein, BBC Radio 3

“The show is such fun, and so well sung, that not even the youngest kids get bored… this is knock-out.”
Michael Church, The Independent

Eleven year old Alice is jolted out of her daydreams when she meets a talking rabbit who insists she follow him to a mysterious Wonderland. In this fantastical place, Alice comes across a number of peculiar characters, including a relaxed caterpillar, a happy cat, a depressive hare, a white knight, a romantic duchess, a mad hatter and a sleepy dormouse.

Staged originally at Opera Holland Park, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland – by that globe-trotting choral, jazz and opera dynamo, the composer Will Todd – is perfect for little ones, and makes for a glorious, laugh-a-minute afternoon for the family. Described by the Daily Telegraph’s critic as ‘the most charming, least condescending opera for children I have seen’, and as ‘FANTASTIC, pure life-affirming joy” by Suzy Klein on BBC Radio 3, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland brings beautiful music and fast-paced excitement to Belcombe Court.

This reimagined production is directed by Lysanne van Overbeek and conducted by Mark Austin.

Bringing Alice to Bradford-on-Avon

If Opera is committed to introducing people of all ages to opera and we are proud to present – as part of our main season – Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, Will Todd’s magical opera of one of the world’s most enduring cultural icons.  Originally commissioned and produced by Opera Holland Park in promenade performances in 2013, Alice went on to be performed for the stage at the Royal Opera House’s Linbury Studio. If Opera will produce a new stage version, using original costumes.

The opera features a full compliment of the best loved characters from the story, all performed by the If Opera company ensemble and a wonderful orchestra that delivers the glorious music.  A successful single from the opera ‘I flew High in my dreams’ is a signature moment from the score but all the characters enjoy their own fabulous moments.

Will Todd’s music for Alice is a wonderfully eclectic mix of jazz, musical theatre and opera – there’s the basso profondo caterpillar’s rumbling Wonderland Blues, a coloratura diva Drink Me Bottle and a furiously flustered pantomime dame of a Queen of Hearts. Gottlieb’s witty libretto moulds Carroll’s nonsense into a fun and engaging story that remains true to the original spirit of the book – and like all good children’s stories, the opera has LOTS for the adults to enjoy too!

Watch Will Todd introduce this family opera, first commissioned by Opera Holland Park – with excerpts of the music and insights into the creative and collaborative process here.

Visit our membership page to access Priority Booking and other benefits, or find out more about other opportunities for support.

Tickets available online or from Bath Box Office, telephone 01225 463 362

Image © Brenner

Details

Date:
August 27, 2023
Time:
13:30 - 14:40

Organiser

Venue