Opera North returns to Nottingham Theatre Royal with Falstaff, Le rondine and Masque Of Might

A larger-than-life character, a heart-stopping romance and a zany look at climate change feature in the latest Opera North triple bill.

The company is at Nottingham’s Theatre Royal from Tuesday to Saturday with performances of Falstaff, La rondine and Masque Of Might.

Falstaff is Verdi’s take on Shakespeare’s lovable rogue. In this new production, the action is transported to the 1980s where Falstaff, having fallen on hard times, has his eye on a couple of rich wives as his passport to a brighter future. Unfortunately for him, the ladies are no fools and have already decided to teach him a lesson he will never forget.

It is being staged on Tuesday evening (November 7) and also as the Saturday matinee (November 11).

Henry Waddington returns to Opera North to take the title role.

On Wednesday and Friday (November 8 and 10) there will be performances of Puccini’s La rondine (The Swallow)

It is the story of Magda, the mistress of a wealthy banker, who takes flight with the young Ruggero risking everything for her heart’s desire – but will there be a fairytale ending to her pursuit of love?

This new production, which whisks audiences from the stylish salons of 1930s Paris to the carefree world of the French Riviera features soprano Galina Averinaas Magda alongside tenor Sébastien Guèze as Ruggero.

Completing the season on Thursday (November 9) is a new work called Masque of Might, which repurposes the music of baroque composer Purcell, bringing together the well-known and rarely-performed to create a tale of environmental depredation at the hands of an evil dictator who foolishly underestimates the power of nature.

Using the format of a masque, the 17th Century’s version of a variety show, Sir David Pountney has created a witty parable which both questions and celebrates our relationship with the natural world.