I do love a good launch presentation, and I have been to a few just lately, what with the Transform and African Arts Festivals, I have met some really interesting people and got the inside track on what was to come. The downside is that the interesting people had to put up with me, but, so far at least, they have been very courteous in giving me the bum’s rush.
This evening’s event was to showcase the Opera North Autumn/Winter’s 2025 – 2026 Season, but you already guessed that from the title of this article, and not only give us the low down on the works involved, but also treat us to a couple of duets from the artists taking part. As we were in the beautiful Howard Assembly Room they were delivered in a much more intimate environment than they will be on the far larger stage of Leeds Grand Theatre.
Before that, we were welcomed by Laura Canning, the General Director of Opera North, who guided us through the menu with a couple of amuse-bouches thrown in. After the niceties she began with a celebratory toast to mark Opera North’s production of Simon Boccanegra being given the 2025 Sky Arts Award for Opera. It has also been nominated for the UK Theatre Awards, while Kurt Weill’s, Love Life – that is the name of the piece, not a dodgy video – is in the running for the International Opera Awards. The results will be announced later this month for the former and in November for the latter. I loved them both and will let you know the outcome – just as long as they win of course.
The season opens with Susanna by Handel, which runs on dates between 4th and 22nd October at Leeds Grand Theatre, after which it tours to Newcastle, Salford and Nottingham. It is the story of two powerful men who try to corrupt Susanna whilst her husband is away on business. When she refuses their advances they set out to destroy her reputation.
This is another collaboration between Opera North and Phoenix Dance Theatre, so an extra layer is added to the work. The previous ones have been amazing and there is no reason to think that this will not live up to the incredible standard.
Next up, on dates between 18th October and 1st November, and then following the Newcastle, Salford and Nottingham route, we have La bohème, the story of four friends, who share part of a house and are struggling for money. One, Rodolfo, a poet, falls in love with Mimi, a seamstress who lives upstairs. Can their love conquer everything that life throws at them? The music, by Puccini, is wonderful, and I know because I saw this production when it was here a few years ago. A word from the wise, don’t forget your tissues. You’re welcome!
Joshua Blue as Rodolfo and Josef Jeongmeen Ahn as Marcello have fun singing a duet from La bohème.
The first palate-tickler is The Big Opera Mystery, a show for those between 5 and 15 years old (and me!) which allows you to unleash your inner Sherlock Holmes, or in my case Geriatric Homes. The persons of interest in the crime are some of the greatest opera characters of all time, who will be aided and abetted by the Orchestra of Opera North, always on the lookout for a new fiddle! You can catch it, and the culprit, on Saturday 25th October at 2.00pm after which it plays at 12.00 noon at – you guessed it – Newcastle, Salford and Nottingham on the 8th, 15th and 22nd November respectively.
On Saturday, 15th November at Howard Assembly Room, is a the world premiere of a piece called The Devil’s Den, a collaboration between Opera North and Shadwell Opera. It is a work rooted in English folklore and, if featuring a child, a rabbit, a devil and a druid isn’t English enough, there is a live Morris dancing side. They are spoiling you now. There are two performances, one at 3.00pm and the other at 6.00pm, both last an hour and, should you wish to know more, there is a Q&A between the two at 4.10pm lasting 30 minutes in Kino, the Opera bar.
Still at Howard Assembly Room, and the inspiration for the culinary references, is Pass The Spoon, which takes place on the set of a daytime cookery programme, called, unsurprisingly Pass The Spoon. The hosts; June Spoon and Phillip Fork, assisted by a manic-depressive egg and a highly-strung banana, no – really, must prepare a meal for Mr Granules. There is also a knife-wielding butcher – aren’t they all – from whom they get their meat. Although the age guidance is 12+, there is a trigger warning for strong language and adult humour. An extra helping of sauce then. Service is on various dates between 12th and 20th December.
I was going to say, back to normality, but we are talking opera so even normal is bonkers. Anyway, Mozart’s, The Marriage of Figaro, is at least on the right track. The story begins in the build up to the wedding day of Figaro and Susanna – no, not that one, she’s was last seen in Nottingham – but Count Almaviva wants to get jiggy with the bride so the pair must hatch a plot to make sure that doesn’t happen.
The action, or lack of it insofar as the Count’s concerned, is brought up to date and set in a modern rural house. Sounds like a mash up of Married at First Sight and Escape To The Country. Anyway, as you would expect from Amadeus, the music is terrific, and a great way to introduce yourself to the genre.
The Marriage of Figaro is at Leeds Grand Theatre on dates between 30th January, and 20th February, 2026. Then, as well as Nottingham, Salford, and Newcastle, this production also takes in Hull.
To get us in the mood, we were treated to a performance by Charlie Lees, right, who will be singing the role of Susanna, and Claire Drummond, cover for the Countess Almaviva, in The Marriage of Figaro. Heavenly.
The season wraps up with Peter Grimes by Benjamin Britten. This is set in a tight-knit fishing community on the east coast of England, and tells of a newcomer, who wants a new start with the local schoolteacher, but is not really fitted for the lifestyle, as his moods swing between visionary and violent, which obviously doesn’t endear him to the locals. It is at Leeds Grand Theatre on dates between 13th and 21st February, 2026 after which it takes the normal route, oddly, in view of the content, giving Hull a side step.
Finally I would like to draw your attention to the many ways in which you can experience opera for the first time. I am always banging on about Try It ON but this year, as well as other offers, there is a special performance of La bohème at Leeds Grand Theatre on Monday, 27th October for first timers, which is on a Pay What You Can basis. Not only do you get the opera but also the option of a few extras. Please go to https://www.operanorth.co.uk/whats-on/pay-what-you-can-la-boheme/ for full details and to see a trailer.
For those who find it difficult to sit through three hours of silence, in darkness, there is a relaxed performance of The Marriage of Figaro, at 1.00pm on 18th February. Check out https://www.operanorth.co.uk/whats-on/relaxed-the-marriage-of-figaro/ to find out about the adaptations made for this performance.
For more on all of the above, please go to https://www.operanorth.co.uk/whats-on/genres/opera/ where you can click on the one you fancy, get full information and watch a trailer before you book.
Whatever you see, I am sure you will enjoy the offerings in this season, I will – or there will be trouble.
Feature image from Susanna. Photographs by Justin Slee
Tyke It To The Limit 