Opera has found itself a new home

Opera fans will be able to look a little closer to home for a fix of high art later this month.
A production of The Elixir of Love is coming to Batley.A production of The Elixir of Love is coming to Batley.
A production of The Elixir of Love is coming to Batley.

Following a series of workshops with professional singers from Opera North, a cast of over 100 performers from the area will take to the stage at Batley Central Methodist Church on Tuesday March 22 at 7.30pm for the first ever Batley Does Opera.

The performers will take on a stripped-down version of Gaetano Donizetti’s comic opera The Elixir of Love.

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Batley Business Association (BBA) has organised the event alongside community arts project Creative Scene.

BBA chairman Andrew Marsden said: “Some years ago a friend said to me wouldn’t it be good to put on some opera in Batley Marketplace.

“Our idea back then was no more than a small stage and singer performing a few of the well-known arias – you know, the ones off the adverts!

“The idea never really went away. And soon it becomes not just reality but so much more than we ever could have imagined. It’s been an exciting journey to get to here, and I can’t wait to see it all come together on the night.”

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Creative Scene creative producer Rebecca Legg said: “For the majority of the people involved in this project, this is their first experience with opera and we wanted to make sure it was special.

“I’m hoping we’ve helped to change the minds of people who thought opera wasn’t for them.”

Tickets are £5 each, or £15 for a family. They are availab,e from www.ticketsource.co.uk/creativescene or on the door.