Otello

JANACEK

The Excursions of Mr Broucek

OPERA IN TWO PARTS

JUNE Thu 9, Sat 18, Sun 26, Wed 29 JULY Thu 7

Opera giant, David Pountney, directs Janacek’s warm comedy of errors, a riposte to the bourgeoisie for their petty ways.

Broucek, a bourgeois landlord from Prague, is the Czech-equivalent of Mr Pooter. (His name translates as Mr Beetle.) He plods away in his humdrum life – until he is swept away on several excursions to get away from the people bother him. First stop is the moon, followed by a trip to the 15th century during the Hussite uprisings. Alas, he can travel far, but he can’t get away from those irritating people.

Operagoers have taken Broucek to their hearts as a downtrodden Everyman.

It was last performed in the UK in 2009.

Sung in English (translation by David Pountney) Music Leos Janacek (1854–1928) Libretto Based on two novels by Svatopluk Cech First performance 23 April 1920, Prague National Theatre UK première 5 September 1970, King’s Theatre, Edinburgh Mr Broucek, property owner Peter Hoare Malinka, Sakristáns’ daughter / Etherea / Kunka Fflur Wyn Mazal, a painter / Bounzincek / Petrik / Svatopluk Mark Le Brocq Würfl, a bartender / Paycek / Councillor Andrew Shore Sakristán Sacristan / Dudcek / Domsik Clive Bayley Fanny, a housekeeper / Kedruta Anne-Marie Owens Spotcek / Vojta/Raincek / Mirolsa Adrian Thompson

Conductor George Jackson

sponsor Brian & Jennifer Ratner

Director David Pountney Designer Leslie Travers Costume Marie-Jean Lecca Lighting Oliver Fenwick

Bryn With Terfel

WAGNER

Der Fliegende Holländer

SUPPORTED BY THE ETHOS FOUNDATION & OTHERS

Der Fliegende Holländer

FREE STAGING IN THREE ACTS

JULY Thu 14, Sat 16

The ghostly seafaring Dutchman is only allowed ashore once every seven years to find a woman who will lift his curse by swearing eternal love. He sails into a Norwegian port and finds just the woman: Senta. Will she settle down with dull Erik, her fiancée? Or throw in her lot with the doomed Captain? There is no one better to have at the helm than the superstar Bryn Terfel in the role as the Dutchman, with Wagnerian soprano of the moment Rachel Nicholls as Senta, the woman who would give up life itself to free him and tenor du jour Nicky Spence. We welcome the distinguished Wagnerian conductor Anthony Negus into the pit. With its storm-tossed score – Wagner claimed that the inspiration was a particularly stomach-turning crossing of the North Sea – The Flying Dutchman is a gripping supernatural tour-de-force.

Sung in German Music & Libretto Richard Wagner (1813 - 1883) First performance 2 January 1843, Königliche Hoftheater, Dresden UK première 23 July 1870, Drury Lane The Dutchman Bryn Terfel

sponsor David & Clare Kershaw

Senta, enthralled by the Dutchman Rachel Nicholls Daland, Senta’s father Richard Wiegold Erik, in love with Senta Nicky Spence

sponsor John & Carol Wates

Mary, Senta’s nurse Carolyn Dobbin

sponsor Martin Brown

Steersman Elgan Llŷr Thomas

Conductor Anthony Negus

sponsor Nerissa Guest

Your summer evening

47 Vintage Cars

Vintage cars are on offer (for a fee) to drive you from (and to) London or Horsley Station. Imagine arriving in a pre-war Rolls Royce

Dress

Many guests wear black tie/long dress, but we encourage stylish creativity

Arriving

Guests arrive from two hours before and, with a glass of champagne, wander through the historic walled gardens where a convivial atmosphere reigns – the city seems far away

Before the opera

Pre–ordered canapés and champagne are served on the Rose Garden. In Gloria’s tea room Sally Clarkes’ cake is very popular accompanied by Fortnum & Mason teas

A short walk

Walk through the ancient Orchard – passing a 300-year-old mulberry tree, damson, pear and apple trees – takes you to the opera house: the Theatre in the Woods

Take your seat for Act One

Long Interval Dining

Enjoy a three-course meal in The Duchess Restaurant or for a more bucolic approach, fling down your rug and picnic – or reserve a seat in a marquee or private pavilion

Act Two

Afterwards

Linger in the candlelit gardens until 10.45pm