New Sussex Opera present a rare chance to see this masterpiece of English comic opera performed with a traditional period orchestra.
A dragon is terrorizing the Yorkshire countryside, devouring anything it meets. The only person who can save the locals is a drunken squire – if he can put down his pint. He agrees, but just as daunting as his monstrous opponent is the love triangle that ensues. Will the dragon prevail? And who will get their man?
The Dragon of Wantley, the 1737 smash hit of the London season, parodies Handel’s serious operas – as well as poking fun at the government of the day. The combination of Lampe’s first-rate music (of which Handel himself approved) and wonderfully witty libretto by Henry Carey makes this opera a comic gem.
For this production, set in a South Yorkshire of the 1980’s (against the background of the miners’ strike), conductor Toby Purser and director Paul Higgins join forces again following their success with Stanford’s The Travelling Companion for New Sussex Opera, which was nominated for an International Opera Award, with what was a world première recording released on the SOMM label.
Cast includes Magnus Walker, Ana Beard Fernández, Charlotte Badham, Robert Gildon.
New Sussex Opera Chorus, The Bellot Baroque Ensemble
Conductor Toby Purser, Director Paul Higgins, Designer Mollie Cheek