Welcome to Opera For Woodbridge!

We perform operas in the beautiful town of Woodbridge in Suffolk, UK.

Since 2020 we have put on an annual opera performance, free for the audience to attend.  We wish to demonstrate that opera doesn’t have to be big and expensive, it isn’t elitist or intimidating, it can be fun and enjoyable, even if you’ve never been to one before and know nothing about it.  Equally, our productions appeal to experienced opera goers, who appreciate the quality and spirited nature of our performances.

By offering a production with professional soloists and conductor, local professional and sem-professional orchestral players, and incorporating local children and amateur adult singers as chorus, we aim to show that opera can be relevant, exciting and life-affirming.

Opera For Woodbridge was set up by Lady Caroline Blois and Nick Fowler, in order to provide an opportunity for the people of Woodbridge to enjoy live performance of opera, initially in the beautiful Elmhurst Park in the centre of the town, but subsequently also in the splendid community owned and run Woodbridge Community Hall.

Caroline is a former Town Councillor and a Woodbridge resident of many years standing. Once upon a time she trained and worked as a répétiteur, and used to enjoy putting on operas in her home Cockfield Hall in Yoxford.

Nick is a freelance opera producer, director, stage manager and performer, and has lived in Woodbridge for over 25 years.

Both Nick and Caroline are passionate about opera and keen to do all they can to encourage and develop interest and enthusiasm for it, in people of all ages and backgrounds.

L’Elisir d’Amore (The Love Potion)

September 12th 2020
Elmhurst Park Bandstand
Cast: Anthony Flaum (Nemorino ), Lynsey Docherty (Adina), Philip Smith (Belcore), Rob Gildon (Dulcamara)
Orchestra: Andrew Leach (Conductor & Piano), Greg Eaton & Helen Farrell (Violins), Jean Hudson (Viola), Nick Parry (Cello)
Nick Fowler (Adaptation & Narration), Siobhan Chapman (Costumes), Chris Mapey (Sound), Matt Maller, Hannah Walmsley, Peter Churchyard (Lights)
Thank you to: Steve Nunn, Woodbridge Medical Services,
Woodbridge Emergency Response Group for stewarding the event

The Magic Flute (Die Zauberflöte)

17th September 2021
Elmhurst Park Bandstand
Tamino – Anthony Flaum
Papageno – Rob Gildon
Papagena – Julie Roberts
Queen of the Night – Sarah Prestwidge
Pamina – Lynsey Docherty
Sarastro – Graeme Danby
Spirits/Serpent/Eco-warriors – Jubilee Opera Chorus
Conductor – Andrew Leach
Director & Translater/Adapter – Nick Fowler
Associate Director – Madeleine Brooks
Costumes – Siobhan Chapman
Animal design – Helen Taylor & Emma Jennings & the children
Orchestral arranger – Daniel James
Children’s vocal coach – Mish Kelly

The Bat (Die Fledermaus)

17th September 2022
Woodbridge Community Hall
Eisenstein – Anthony Flaum
Rosalind – Olivia Tringham
Alfred – Robin Bailey
Adele – Sarah Prestwidge
Frank – Rob Gildon
Prince Orlofsky – Meriel Cunningham
Dr Falke – Philip Smith
Bats – Jubilee Opera Chorus
Narrator – Nick Fowler
Conductor – Andrew Leach
Director/Translator/Adapter – Nick Fowler
Children’s Vocal Coach – Elizabeth Elliott

The Barber of Seville

7th October 2023
Woodbridge Community Hall
Count Almaviva – William Wallace
Figaro – Philip Smith
Rosina – Sarah Prestwidge
Dr Bartolo – Rob Gildon
Don Basilio – Nick Dwyer
Narrator – Nick Fowler
Police & Servants – Jubilee Opera Chorus
Conductor – Andrew Leach
Director/Translator/Adapter – Nick Fowler
Costumes – Siobhan Chapman
Children’s Vocal Coach – Elizabeth Elliott

Our next planned performance will be:

Mozart’s Marriage of Figaro

Woodbridge Community Hall
Saturday 19th October at 6pm

The performance will be free to attend, but ticketed.
Seats will be unallocated.
The hall doors will opened at 5.30pm.

The performance will end at approximately 7.30pm
There will be no interval

We are always looking for people who might be able to help with preparations for the performance, or who could offer financial or other support.

Please email us if you wish to attend the performance, to offer your support, or for any further information you may require:

info@operaforwoodbridge.uk

Opera For Woodbridge is based in Woodbridge, Suffolk in the UK.

If you would like further information, please email

info@operaforwoodbridge.uk