Pop-Up Opera return this autumn with Humperdinck’s Hansel and Gretel. In true Pop-Up fashion, the company give one of the most popular operatic fairy tales a magical twist ensuring this wintry delight will both enchant and thrill.
Humperdinck’s dark and atmospheric opera will make its way to unusual and unique spaces across the UK, continuing to challenge the way opera is traditionally performed. Sung in German (with Pop-Up Opera’s signature ‘silent movie’ captions in English), the wonderful combination of music and drama brings the exciting relationships between characters to life.
Brother and sister Hansel & Gretel are drawn into the idyllic yet dangerous world of the forest, where they encounter the Sandman, the Dew Fairy and, most frightening of all, the Witch. In the dizzying excitement of the Witch’s Ride and the serene beauty of the children’s evening prayer, Humperdinck’s music magically evokes the contrasting worlds of the story.
Director James Hurley comments, “Hansel and Gretel is the perfect fairy tale opera experience, packed full of humour, suspense, and danger. It offers some unique theatrical challenges – how to create an enchanted forest, build a gingerbread house, or burn a witch! This production will conjure up an ingenious, fully-integrated scenic world, which stays true to Pop-Up’s immersive charm.
With 90 performances a year, Pop-Up Opera skilfully adapt their operas to each individual venue, making every performance unique, while always maintaining the highest standards. The combination of amazing venues, along with an informal atmosphere and engaging productions, offers a greater connection to the singers and the music, something even seasoned opera-goers often miss.
