We want to introduce the young to great performances so under 18’s are Free for all events when accompanied by an adult.
Sat 13 Oct An Evening of English Opera
A change to the programme and will be a great fun night and an introduction for the whole family to light opera.
Gilbert & Sullivan: Trial by Jury
Edward Lambert: The Parting
Purcell: Dido & Aeneas (abridged)
Under the auspices of Arts for Hungerford, The Music Troupe returns to the Croft Hall on Saturday 13 October at 8pm for a relaxed evening of English Opera in which they are joined by the Newbury Chamber Choir.
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First on the programme is Gilbert and Sullivan’s effervescent Trial by Jury in which a jilted woman sues her ex – and is awarded rather more than she bargained for. Gilbert’s text pokes fun at male hypocrisy, but the concept of Breach of Promise has echoes, perhaps, of the #MeToo campaign.
Next up is The Parting by Edward Lambert. This semi-staged, ten-minute opera for three voices has a text by the Spanish poet and dramatist Federico Garcia Lorca and has more than a hint of a dream-like surrealism. This is its first performance.
Finally, in a change to the previously advertised programme, choir and soloists combine to perform a potted version of Dido and Aeneas, Purcell’s intimate opera, and still the nation’s favourite. Dido’s lament “When I am laid in earth” crowns this fascinating and entertaining programme.
The cast includes three professionals with fabulous voices: David Horton, tenor, and Felicity Hayward, soprano, are young, up-and coming stars while Berkshire resident Lindsay Bramley has sung in opera houses all over the world. “It will be fun”, she says of her debut as the Learned Judge in Trial by Jury, a role normally taken by veteran basses. The evening will be an ideal introduction to opera for all ages and under 18s go free. So those wishing to join in the fun should make sure they book in advance online at MusicTroupe.co.uk or NewburyChamberChoir.org
Felicity Hayward (soprano) Angelina, the Plaintiff / The Wife / Dido
Lucy Fitt (soprano) Counsel for the Plaintiff
Lindsay Bramley (mezzo-soprano) The Judge / Old Woman / Sorceress & Spirit
David Horton (tenor) Edwin, the Defendant / Enrique / Aeneas
Gordon Fry (tenor) The Court Usher
Newbury Chamber Choir
Stephen Westrop (piano)
Edward Lambert (conductor)
Will Ashford (director)
A quick look back at the review for our Classical Young Musicians Event
Great review in the Newbury Weekly News a must read – Click Here
Fri 26 Oct The Shape of Water – Film
At a top secret research facility in the 1960s, a lonely janitor forms a unique relationship with an amphibious creature that’s being held in captivity.
2017 Cert 15 2hrs 3mins
Academy Award for Best Picture/ Best Director/ Best Original Music Score/ Best Production Design
Sat 3 Nov A Day to Remember
Marking 100 years since the end of the first world war we bring you a poignant and moving performance from a young, acclaimed, performance poet, Toby Thompson.
In 2015 Toby was commissioned by director Jesse Jones (National Theatre, Bristol Old Vic) who was in residence at Royal & Derngate Theatre in Northampton, to write and perform this commemorative work in the centenary year of the Battle of Aubers Ridge.
Aubers Ridge was one of the most disastrous British military engagements of the First World War. The men of Northampton suffered terrible and disproportionate losses: the Northamptonshire Regiment was heavily involved and badly hit. No single regiment suffered more losses on the those two days in May 1915 when the British counted 11,000 casualties overall for no material strategic gain. The story of Aubers Ridge epitomises the essence of ‘lest we forget’.
Just a few of the great reviews
Beautiful, inspiring wordsmithery…
Toby Thompson is a writer and performer of thoughts and feelings. Not just his own, but somehow yours too. His poetry displays his delight in life’s uncertainties and absurdities and his uniquely rhythmic and musical style is lyrical, beguiling, playful and poignant.
“…one of the most inspired, powerful poets I’ve heard in years. …talent and passion that put a lot of older writers to shame. Who knows what primal wellspring he’s pulling all this inspiration from, but anyway, world – take notice.”
Dizraeli. Champion Poet, Rapper, Dizraeli & The Small Gods.
“…easily one of the most gifted young wordsmiths I have ever had the pleasure to encounter.”
Akala. Rapper & founder of the Hip Hop Shakespeare Company
“Toby Thompson is the future.”
Kate Tempest
