Waterperry Opera Festival’s period-perfect production of Jonathan Dove’s Mansfield Park brings Jane Austen’s world to life with delicious wit and beautiful music.
Mansfield Park tells the story of Fanny Price, who is sent at age 10 to live with her rich uncle, Sir Thomas Bertram, at his family estate. Jonathan Dove’s operatic treatment of the superb comic novel by Austen was commissioned by Heritage Opera in 2011. Since then it has become a contemporary operatic gem.
Directed by Rebecca Meltzer, this production has received widespread critical-acclaim and sold out runs at Waterperry in 2018 and 2019. Accompanied on the piano, 10 singers perform as an ensemble of loveable characters pulling at our heartstrings and making us laugh-out-loud. Packed full of humour and intimate charm, this opera does not shy away from risqué themes of seduction, love and scandal.
This intimate production brings audiences right into the centre of the action, so close you can almost touch. Perfect for Austen and music lovers alike, be prepared to be whisked away.
In the style of the great English summer opera festivals, please do bring a picnic to enjoy before the performance. The grounds will be open from 1.00pm and Leweston cafe will be open selling a selection of tasty picnic food and a full bar service.
In the case of inclement weather, picnics are welcomed in the school dining room, and the performance will take place in the school Chapel.
