Fun with Falstaff
Expect charm, cunning, and comeuppance as Opera North brings Verdi’s Falstaff to the Leeds Grand Theatre stage in just one week from Thu 28 September 2023. Here are our top five reasons why we think the show will be perfect for everyone who comes along.
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Written by Guest Author
For the book lovers, fashionistas and drama queens
For book lovers: Verdi’s Falstaff is based on Shakespeare’s infamous comic ne’er do well. Arrogant, vain and larger than life, Sir John Falstaff is the archetypal lovable rogue with his witty repartee and outrageous plans to win back his lost fortune. As Henry Waddington who sings the role says: “To Verdi, the character of Falstaff must have been so obviously operatic. So full of joy, so huge!”
For fashionistas: For this production, director Olivia Fuchs has chosen to set the action in the 1980s much to the delight of costume designer Gabrielle Dalton. In her designs, she has enthusiastically embraced all the era’s tropes: flares, shoulder pads, and even some nifty tennis outfits! As a result, Falstaff promises to be as much a treat for the eyes as the ears.
For drama queens: Opera is all about big emotions and dramatic scenes. In Falstaff, not only is this the case, but you also get plenty of laughs and gasps along the way. Prepare to get caught up in the action as Falstaff devises a cunning plan to woo two wealthy wives – only for them to gang together to outwit him, bringing his shenanigans to a witty, and unexpected, conclusion.
Isabelle Peters as Nanetta and Egor Zhuravskii as Fenton in rehearsal for Falstaff. Credit Tom Arber.
For the music lovers and environmentalists
For music lovers: Verdi’s compelling score is as unforgettable as the action on stage. Opera North Music Director Garry Walker, who conducts the opera, says: “It’s an absolute joy to explore the wit, humour and genius of this score.” Henry Waddington adds: “The score is utter joy …. The music bubbles and laughs along to the unfolding drama.”
For environmentalists: Falstaff is one of three productions being staged for Opera North’s Green Season. Guided by the Theatre Green Book, the Company has been looking at ways to make opera more sustainable, interrogating supply chains, lighting rigs, costume designs, sets and props, even offering digital programmes for any opera-goers keen to join them on their green journey.
Falstaff opens at Leeds Grand Theatre on Thu 28 September 2023. Part of the Green Season, it is being performed alongside Masque of Might, a world premiere that repurposes the wonderful music of Purcell into a celebration of the natural world, and a new production of Puccini’s romantic masterpiece, La rondine.
To find out more about upcoming operas Try it ON and to book tickets visit operanorth.co.uk.
Richard Burkhard (back) as Ford with Paul Nilon (front) as Dr Caius. Credit Tom Arber.
Helen Évora as Meg Page and Louise Winter as Mistress Quickly in rehearsal for Falstaff. Credit Tom Arber.
Henry Waddington rehearsing the role of Falstaff with Opera North. Credit Tom Arber.
Olivia Fuchs directing the cast in rehearsal for Falstaff. Credit Tom Arber.
Leeds Grand Theatre Building Fund
As a Grade II listed building, we want to preserve Leeds Grand Theatre for future generations, making it more accessible, sustainable, and comfortable; everything we do will enhance your experience as a customer. All donations will be fully invested in ongoing projects, including improved access facilities, changing our lighting to LED, and investing in a new Flying system.
