Whether people prefer a country house comedy or a tense coastal tragedy, Opera North’s upcoming shows at the city’s Theatre Royal fit the bill. With a new production of Mozart’s much-loved The Marriage of Figaro and the return of the company’s award-winning production of Benjamin Britten’s Peter Grimes, these are storylines which explore the human condition in all its guises with incredible scores from two of classical music’s best-known composers.
At the opening performance on Thursday 5 March, audiences are invited to attend Figaro and Susanna’s wedding celebrations in The Marriage of Figaro. While all the lovestruck couple want to do is get hitched, there are several obstacles to overcome before they say ‘I do’, not least the fact that Count Almaviva (James Newby) has his eye on the bride-to-be – and there will be big repercussions if the groom cannot pay off a loan in full. Directed by Louisa Muller with design by Madeleine Boyd, this new production sets all the action in a modern country pile. Oliver Rundell conducts Mozart’s memorable score, while the cast includes Claire Lees as Susanna and Hongni Wu as Cherubino, both making their Opera North debuts. This is the first time Opera North has performed the opera in its original Italian; English subtitles will be displayed on either side of the stage throughout.
As a response to The Marriage of Figaro, Streetwise Opera has partnered with Opera North to enable groups who have experienced homelessness in Nottingham to interpret Mozart’s work in a way that feels meaningful to them. On the afternoon of Saturday 7 March, they will be bringing their short, rewritten version of the composer’s comic masterpiece to the stage, featuring special guest artists and the Orchestra of Opera North. The piece includes new commissions by Alex Ho and Tim Lole and is directed by Rosie Kat. Ahead of the performance, Streetwise Opera will run a short, practical workshop titled ‘How to Create an Opera’, while soprano Abigail Kelly will entertain audience members with pop-up performances in the foyer before and after the event.
For younger members of the family, Little Listeners: Orchestra Unpacked takes place at 3pm on the same day. The Orchestra of Opera North is looking for mini detectives to join them on a tuneful treasure hunt, collecting a host of hidden music gems in time for the grand finale. In this relaxed, interactive concert, singing and movement is actively encouraged. At just 45 minutes long, it is the perfect introduction to orchestral music for all ages from 12 months upwards.
The mood takes an altogether darker turn on Friday 6 March when Benjamin Britten’s heart-wrenching Peter Grimes makes a welcome return. Fisherman Peter Grimes is a complex character. Both vulnerable and violent, he becomes increasingly isolated when he is ostracised following the death of two of his apprentices. Faced with the implacable judgement of the community, haunted by guilt and increasingly unstable, Grimes’ fate hangs precariously in the balance.
Originally directed by Phyllida Lloyd and winner of the 2007 South Bank Show Opera Award, this revival is directed by Karolina Sofulak (Cavalleria Rusticana/ Aleko, 2024) with Opera North Music Director Garry Walker conducting. The stellar British cast includes John Findon in the title role with Philippa Boyle as Ellen Orford and Simon Bailey as Captain Balstrode. Hilary Summers makes her role debut as Auntie.
Isla Mundell-Perkins, Opera North’s Director of Artistic Administration, comments: “With 2026 marking 50 years since his death, it felt like the perfect time to bring back this absorbing production of what is generally considered to be Benjamin Britten’s greatest work. With the composer’s rich, emotional music underpinning the hard-hitting drama, it is everything an opera should be: relevant, soul-searching and deeply moving.”
To encourage first-timers to give opera a go, ‘New to Opera’ discounted tickets are available for £23 each at all Opera North performances in Nottingham, with £13 options for Under 30s. The Saturday performance of The Marriage of Figaro will be audio described.
Performance Diary
Thu 5 Mar The Marriage of Figaro 7pm
Fri 6 Mar Peter Grimes 7pm
Sat 7 Mar Little Listeners: Orchestra Unpacked 3pm
Sat 7 Mar Streetwise Opera: Reimagining Figaro 4pm
Sat 7 Mar The Marriage of Figaro 7pm AD
Box Office 0115 989 5555
Posted on 13 February 2026
