Oscar Wilde’s epic tragedy of revenge and passion turned into a compact opera. An earnest young man falls for the browbeaten wife of the cruel and coercive Duke – with dreadful consequences for them all. At times melodramatic, at times sentimental, our adaptation of Wilde’s beautiful verse follows the twists and turns of this extraordinary Gothic drama in which the only murder is committed by a woman. With arias, choruses, a love-duet and a death scene, a quartet of fine singers brings to life the first performances of this ‘Italian-style’ opera for intimate spaces.

Experience a new close-up opera in the coolest cosiest venue in town! Running time 1’50” including an interval. The bar will be open!

Beatrice, Duchess of Padua:Ellie Neate (soprano)
Guido Ferranti: Anna Elizabeth Cooper (mezzo-soprano)
The Duke of Padua: James Beddoe (tenor)
Count Moranzone: Henry Grant Kerswell (bass)
Director: Fleur Snow
Designer: Melissa Sofoian
Pianos: Alex Norton & Adrian Salinero
Words: Oscar Wilde
Music: Edward Lambert

“Powered along by a dynamic, pulsating score for piano duet, with soaring bel canto vocals and dramatic recitatives, there was never a dull moment to be experienced…” (Planet Hugill on Masque of Vengeance, November 2023)

Ticket prices  |  £5 Young Guest  |  £10 Spectator  |  £15 Admirer  |  £20 Supporter  |  Donation option also available

Reviews for The Duchess of Padua

Broadway World ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Packed full with stunning music”
“Lambert’s music is spot on, fusing a traditionally dynamic Bel Canto score without feeling the least bit dated. It is always dramatic and flows seamlessly… glimpses of stunning beauty in the love-focused duets and arias… a tight score that never drops the excitement, Lambert’s gothic-inspired music fits so well, and the performers do such a strong job, that it is difficult not to enjoy it.”

Bachtrack
“Lambert has embraced the Gothic style and sentimentality of this tale of love and murder effectively, with an ode to the human voice… the melodrama was delicious and …this is a slick and stylised production.”

The Reviews Hub ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is a new opera based on traditional foundations but using very modern music. For passionate opera fans, having something so new should come as a welcome joy… it’s well worth seeking out.