About

The Fairy Queen is throwing a huge party. Big. Huge. You're invited!

Welcome to The Magical Forest. As you make your way through it you'll soon discover that the journey to The Fairy Queen's Party is not a straightforward path. Strange things happen all around as sprites and pixies enchant and trick, but the only real obstacle is ourselves.

Composer James Redwood and writer Hazel Gould transform Henry Purcell's Shakespeare-inspired 1692 opera into a magical new adventure for the whole family. Our reimagining of Purcell's The Fairy Queen is about wishes that come true, and what happens when they do, as we learn about friendship, love and telling the truth…

It is the 365th birthday of the Fairy Queen, and she wants her party to be the most magical night of the year. She wants music, dancing, entertainment and…mischief! Her loyal sprites are set to work, playing tricks and creating havoc for hapless humans they find in the forest.

Meanwhile Tim and Kirsty are both invited to the party. They are secretly in love with each other, but are too embarrassed and full of worry to tell the truth. When Puck, the leader of the sprites, finds them in the forest, they are the obvious choice for magical trickery for the Queen's entertainment. They are both granted three wishes, but as Puck knows "Human beings don't always… know what they're doing". As they move through their wishes, their choices become increasingly disastrous, much to the amusement of the Queen and her guests, until finally they realise, that all they really need to do is tell the truth.

Cast:

Kirsty Hopkins soprano
Simone Jonetsu Ibbett-Brown mezzo-soprano
Timothy Dickinson bass-baritone
Lynne Forbes narrator
James Redwood conductor
Hazel Gould director

Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment

Year 5 students from Christ Church Primary School
St Laurence School Random Band
WMC Chorus

This family show is suitable for ages 7+