Longborough Festival Opera brings the magic of opera to over 1,000 local children. Playground Opera Tour Dates: 17th January - 7th February. See website for venues. https://lfo.org.uk Longborough Festival Opera is proud to announce the return of its innovative Playground Opera project, an inspiring initiative designed to introduce the magic of opera to children who might not otherwise have the opportunity to experience it. For 2025, this programme will visit 14 schools across Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire and Warwickshire, reaching more than 1,000 local pupils.
Now in its fourth year, Playground Opera has become a cornerstone of Longborough’s mission to make opera accessible to all.
This year’s production is a vibrant retelling of Donizetti’s The Elixir of Love, titled The Implausible Potions of Dr Dulcamara. The fun-filled story, packed with love, humor, and a touch of magical mischief, has been specially adapted to engage young audiences and spark their imaginations.
Under the expert direction of Maria Jagusz and Will Sharma as Musical Director, the production features an outstanding cast including Katherine McIndoe as Adina, Tobias Campos Santinaque returning as Nemorino, and Sam Young taking on the dual roles of Belcore and Dr Dulcamara. The creative team includes Set Designer Harry Pizzey, Stage Manager Henry Beach, and Assistant Stage Manager Adam Music.
The programme doesn’t just bring opera to schools: it immerses pupils in the art form through hands-on workshops. During each school visit, the Longborough Education Team works with children to explore the opera’s themes, encouraging them to think about their own choices and even rewrite parts of the story. The day culminates in a performance where the pupils join the professional cast, creating a shared experience of creativity and collaboration.
Emma Campbell, Longborough’s Head of Learning and Participation, emphasises the transformative impact of Playground Opera:
“Our mission is to break down barriers to opera and bring it to children who may never have encountered it otherwise. Playground Opera introduces pupils to the power of music, storytelling, and collaboration, helping to build confidence, spark creativity, and expand horizons. We’re so proud to offer this experience to over 1,000 young people this year.”
By bringing high-quality opera directly into schools, Longborough Festival Opera is ensuring that the next generation has the chance to explore the joy and wonder of the performing arts, regardless of their background or circumstances.
Playground Opera is on tour from 17th January - 7th February 2025. For more information, visit: