Opera House offers spring season of happy endings

The Marriage of Figaro (Wednesday 21 and Thursday 22) is one of the most popular operas ever composed. The plot unveils the obstacles that Figaro and his fiance Susanna must overcome before their wedding can take place, the most serious of which being the philandering Count Almaviva’s determination to seduce the bride-to-be.

Don Pasquale (Friday 23) is a masterpiece of comic opera, as well as mouth-watering example of bel canto writing, Don Pasquale is rich in soaring melodies. Starring Keel Watson, Irish Soprano Mary Sullivan and Irish baritone Owen Gilhooley, Don Pasquale tells the story of a stubborn, competitive old bachelor set to steal his nephew’s beautiful and apparently submissive bride. However, his clumsy wooing turns to painful woe when she reveals her own mind.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Saturday 24) sees four lovers who enter the forest on the night of the summer solstice become entwined in the existing quarrels between the fairy king and queen. Britten’s playful score enhances the magic of the original Shakespearean drama and includes a chorus of mischievous fairies, all of whom will be played by eight local children.

The Starry Welkin (Thursday 22 at 1pm) is set in the magic forest of Shakepeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and follows the entwined story of Oberon, Tytania and Bottom as they struggle through the strangest of moonlit nights. Written for children aged three to seven, the piece is a perfect introduction to some key instruments, to opera and to Shakespeare. The music and design will immerse the children in the sensual and comic world of Dream, with a puppet Puck. The piece lasts one hour and is both accessible and fully interactive.

Tickets can be booked via the Grand Opera House box office on 9024 1919, in person at the box office in the theatre foyer or online at www.goh.co.uk.

All operas begin at 7.30pm, apart from The Starry Welkin which will begin at 1pm.