A new English version of Wagner's The Flying Dutchman, by Glyn Maxwell,
Orchestrated by Laura Bowler in association with Robin Wallington.
Based on an original concept by Lucy Bradley.
Presented by OperaUpClose in partnership with Manchester Camerata
Photographs by Alex Brenner
Poet and novelist Glyn Maxwell’s English libretto and award-winning composer Laura Bowler’s 8-piece chamber orchestration combine in a fresh and radically rethought version of a classic. A haunting political tale exploring the psychology and realities of living on an island with hardening borders, The Flying Dutchman is a bold reimagination of this epic fable.
Featuring recordings of community singing groups from across the UK alongside a cast of world-renowned opera singers and players, this is intensely powerful and involved musical storytelling bringing The Flying Dutchman to life as an urgent, contemporary tale for our times.
Cast
Starlight Philippa Boyle
Captain Dee Timothy Dawkins
Helm/Mari Carolyn Holt
Mariner Pauls Putnins
Broadcaster Neil Balfour
From The Manchester Camerata
Violin: Caroline Pether, Katie Stillman, Marie Schreer, Cello: Colin Alexander, Waynne Kwon, Double Bass: Roberto Carrillo-Garcia, Flute: Amina Hussein, Sarah Whewell, Clarinet: Greg Hearle, Horn: Mark Bennett, Dave Tollington; Percussion: Alex Henshaw; Accordion: Djordje Gajic
Creative Team
New orchestration by Laura Bowler
New English version by Glyn Maxwell
Director Lucy Bradley
Music Director Timothy Burke
Associate Music Director Robin Wallington
Set & Costume Designer Ana Inés Jabares-Pita
Lighting Designer Neill Brinkworth
Sound Designer Matt Fairclough
Associate Designer Anna Kelsey
Assistant Director Jennifer Lane Baker
Production Manger Lisa Hood
Stage Manager Esther Malkinson
Technical Stage Manager Max Juan-Balch
Sound Assistant Harvey Sillitoe
Costume Supervisor Nicola Cox
Press for The Flying Dutchman
'Disciplined and Dynamic...Lucy Bradley's highly accomplished production,' Yehuda Shapiro, The Stage
'a watertight, coherent update' Rebecca Franks, The Times
'a fearless, ambitious re-telling of Richard Wagner’s epic tale and score,' Simon Bishop, Stagetext magazine
'a sharp reflection of our island nation' - Rian Evans, The Guardian
'This is officially the most accessible Wagner may ever be' - London Theatre Reviews
'Disciplined and Dynamic...Lucy Bradley's highly accomplished production,' Yehuda Shapiro, The Stage
'a watertight, coherent update' Rebecca Franks, The Times
'a fearless, ambitious re-telling of Richard Wagner’s epic tale and score,' Simon Bishop, Stagetext magazine
'a sharp reflection of our island nation' - Rian Evans, The Guardian
'This is officially the most accessible Wagner may ever be' - London Theatre Reviews