PREVIEW

POP-UP Opera are reviving Humperdinck’s Hansel and Gretel, giving one of the most popular operatic fairy tales a magical twist that will both enchant and thrill.

This spring, they will pop-up at Wiltshire Music Centre in Bradford-on-Avon for one night only on Friday, February 2, starting at 7.30pm.

In true Pop-Up fashion, the company give one of the most popular operatic fairy tales a magical twist as they make their way to unusual and unique spaces across the UK, including Cheltenham Ladies College on February 23 and Shaftesbury Arts Centre on March 3.

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 and 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 said: “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.”

The production is likely to conjure up an ingenious, fully-integrated scenic world which stays true to Pop-Up’s immersive charm.

Pop-along if you can. The running time is 90 minutes, plus an interval. The UK-wide tour takes place from February 1 to March 11.