Sell-out opera 'The Barber of Seville' is returning to Wincanton on August 11th

Despite serious COVID-related problems (including the leading lady missing the dress rehearsal due to being pinged by the NHS app), Bath Opera’s ‘The Barber of Seville’ opened its tour to a sell-out audience at Wincanton Memorial Hall on July 8^th to a rapturous reception.

The demand for tickets was so great that a return performance has been arranged for 11^th August, 7:30pm, and is sponsored generously by Wincanton Racecourse.

The production, which was made possible by a grant from the Wincanton Regeneration project, is the first visit by Bath Opera to South Somerset.

Two Trustees of the Bath Opera charity, John and Jane Clark, moved to Wincanton in December and they have made the local contacts and co-ordinated the publicity.

“We love Wincanton. It is so friendly and everyone here is so positive. We moved here only knowing one or two people, but the enthusiasm for the idea of opera in Wincanton has snowballed amazingly, and tickets sold out in just over three weeks.”

 - Jane Clark, opera director

The cast is made up of professional and semi-professional singers. The regular principals from the company have established a fine reputation, and this year Bath Opera has two brilliant guest stars - Michael CT Lam (baritone) plays the key part of Figaro, and Katherine Cooper (mezzo-soprano) sings Rosina. There are more details on bathopera.com where you can also find a video trailer, with the cast singing and chatting about their roles.

Among the accolades of the performance, the Mayor of Wincanton, Councillor Sue Shelbourne-Barrow said,

“Wincanton is truly privileged to have such an amazing event and I hope one of many.”

 - Councillor Sue Shelbourne-Barrow, Mayor of Wincanton

“A sparkling evening of opera, full of comedy and spirit as well as vocal athleticism. Michael CT Lam had a wonderful richness of tone as Figaro... the absolute stars, fittingly, were Rosina (Katherine Cooper) and Count Almaviva (Robert Felstead) both with gorgeous voices, great dynamic control, and precise ornamentation.”

 - Linda Mumford, regular reviewer and local opera director

"A most enjoyable evening. You have got some very good voices!"

 - Countess de Salis, regularly puts on opera at Yarlington House

“What a triumph! The singers were stunning and it all warmed up nicely to an hilarious romp!”

 - Jane Fenton, conductor of the Pilgrim Singers in Wincanton

Tickets are selling fast for this performance, so do ring the Box Office as soon as possible.

Tickets are £14 (adult) and £7 (under-16). The Box Office is 01963 34196 and there is a 24-hour answerphone to leave messages!

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