NEWS - MYTH, MAGIC, AND A SHORTER OPERA: OPERA NORTH BRINGS ITS LATEST PRODUCTIONS TO THE LOWRY

Opera North is set to transport audiences at The Lowry this March with a thrilling mix of myth, magic, and breathtaking music. The company’s bold new take on Wagner’s The Flying Dutchman promises a visually and emotionally stunning experience, while James Brining’s much-loved production of The Magic Flute makes a triumphant return. And for those looking for a shorter but equally enchanting experience, The Magic Flute Lite offers a specially adapted performance perfect for families, school groups, and those new to opera.

The Flying Dutchman: A Bold New Reimagining

From the critically acclaimed director/designer duo Annabel Arden and Joanna Parker, this fresh interpretation of Wagner’s early masterpiece brings a new sense of urgency and relevance to the legend. The Dutchman and his crew are trapped in an endless cycle, condemned to roam the seas. But in this reimagining, their plight is placed firmly in a modern context—one where themes of displacement, power, and bureaucracy are all too familiar.

Adding a powerful layer to the production, sound artist Dan Scott incorporates real voices of those who, like the Dutchman, find themselves without a homeland, highlighting the opera’s underlying theme of compassion.

Opera North’s Music Director Garry Walker leads a thrilling score featuring an outstanding cast. Robert Hayward stars as the Dutchman, with Layla Claire and Edgaras Montvidas making their Opera North debuts as Senta and Erik/Steersman. Clive Bayley returns as Senta’s father, Daland, while Molly Barker steps into the role of Mary.

The Magic Flute: A Welcome Return

Mozart’s The Magic Flute returns to The Lowry on Thursday 13 and Friday 14 March after a hugely successful run last autumn. James Brining’s magical staging of this enchanting tale brings to life the trials and triumphs of Prince Tamino and the spirited Papageno. With stunning sets, spellbinding music, and dazzling performances, it’s a production that delighted audiences last year and is sure to do so again.

Patrick Lange and Emilia Hoving take up the baton for this new run, with a fresh cast featuring Soraya Mafi as Pamina, Trystan Llŷr Griffiths as Tamino, Anna Dennis as the Queen of the Night, and Justin Hopkins as Sarastro. Emyr Wyn Jones and Pasquale Orchard reprise their roles as the charming duo Papageno and Papagena. In an exciting first for a major UK opera company, the Thursday 13 March performance will also feature fully integrated British Sign Language (BSL) signing, making this a truly accessible experience.

The Magic Flute Lite: Opera in a Bite-Sized Format

For younger audiences or those looking for a shorter introduction to opera, The Magic Flute Lite offers a condensed yet equally magical experience. Running under two hours, this special daytime performance (11am on Thursday 13 March) retains all the wonder of Mozart’s original but is tailored for families, Key Stage 2–4 schoolchildren, and anyone who prefers a more concise operatic adventure.

David Cowan conducts an exciting cast, including Pasquale Orchard as Pamina, Osian Wyn Bowen as Tamino, Themba Mvula as Papageno, Ellie Neate as Papagena, Miranda Bevin as the Queen of the Night, and Andri Björn Róbertsson as Sarastro. Sung in English with subtitles, it’s the perfect way to experience the magic of opera in a fun and accessible way.

Get Your Tickets Now!

Tickets for all three productions are on sale now. Under 30s can enjoy the experience for just £10, while first-time opera-goers can secure some of the best seats in the house for just £20. Don’t miss the chance to immerse yourself in these unforgettable performances—book now at https://www.thelowry.com/