Like a puppet on a string
‘The Adventures of Pinocchio’ by Jonathan Dove & Alastair Middleton was premiered by Opera North on December 21st 2007. I was lucky enough to have a small role playing the puppet ‘Rosaura’ (see blonde/masked pic on the homepage).
Was one of the best experiences I have had as a singer so far. Unbelievable to think that I was the first person to sing the role and it was so exciting to hear the orchestra & singers bring to life such a fantastic piece with the aim of introducing children to the world of opera. Cannot describe the nerves that come when singing for a living composer sat three feet away from you!!
I also got involved with the Family Workshops that the Opera North Education Department ran alongside the production. Was fantastic to see small hands in the auditorium performing our actions along with us - having learnt them from us in the workshop beforehand!!
Check out my Pinocchio Facebook group which charts some of the highlights of the rehearsal process and subsequent tour - and also has some great photos posted on it.
‘Pinocchio’ is about to open elsewhere with Opera Chemnitz with the wonderful Martin Duncan at the helm again, fingers crossed Opera North don’t wait too long before reviving it.
The live performance DVD recorded at Sadler’s Wells in February 2008 will hopefully be out by the end of the year - will post release date when I get it. That’ll be my family’s Christmas presents well & truly sorted then!
