A Buxton International Festival production, featuring the Orchestra of Opera North
Ambroise Thomas’ Hamlet epitomises the Grand Opera tradition that was popular in 19-century France, a genre that celebrates breath-taking spectacle, dramatic storytelling, large casts and choruses and lush orchestration. Thomas was one of the country’s most acclaimed composers of his day, with Hamlet and Mignon among his best-known works. Hamlet was a sensation, performed 276 times during his lifetime, before fading from the repertoire—until now.
Inspired by Shakespeare’s iconic play, this opera tells a tale of vengeance, madness, and doomed love. It follows the young Danish prince as he encounters his father’s ghost and embarks on a quest for justice and revenge. Thomas’ score intensifies the psychological drama of the tragedy, while giving special prominence to Ophelia, whose role captivated audiences of the era.
‘The music has a bit of everything, wonderful melodies as well as incredible virtuosic scenes and chorus numbers. Hamlet’s rousing drinking song and Ophelia’s mad scene are the best known arias, which singers often use to showcase their voices. It’s an unforgettable work that’s rarely performed and deserves re-visiting.” Adrian Kelly, BIF’s Artistic Director
Buxton International Festival returns to its roots with this production, having performed Hamlet once before in 1980. The then fledgling Festival (it was in its second year) put together an extraordinary cast led by Sir Thomas Allen in the title role, with Christine Barbaux as Ophelia and Donald Maxwell as Hamlet’s ghostly father.
Music by A Thomas, libretto by M Carré and J Barbier, based on an adaptation of Shakespeare’s Hamlet.
Sung in French with English surtitles.
Note: Please note the 7pm start, rather than traditional 7.15pm.
CREATIVE TEAM
Adrian Kelly Conductor
Jack Furness Director
Hannah Wolfe Designer
Jake Wiltshire Lighting Designer
Erika Gudensent Repetiteur
Public booking opens at 10am on Tuesday 15 April 2025
Become a BIF Friend for Priority Booking, from just £36 per year
To book seats early, join the Friends of Buxton International Festival and become part of our ‘Festival Family.’
Benefits include:
- Priority booking. Friends of Buxton Festival members can book early, using the booking code they receive with their brochures, which will be landing on doorsteps at the beginning of March:
- Directors’ Circle, Benefactor, Gold Patron Tuesday, 18 March
- Patron Tuesday, 25 March
- Gold Friend Tuesday, 1 April
- Friend and Joint Friend Tuesday, 8 April
- An Overture Friends’ newsletter with exclusive interviews, stories and messages from the Festival team
- Opportunities to enjoy Friends’ events throughout the year, including meals, recitals and UK and international music holidays
- Recognition of your support in the Festival Souvenir Programme Book
- The knowledge that your support is helping us deliver another incredible festival!
Our six tiers of membership start from just £36 and have their own individual rewards. Click here for more information.
Under 35 year olds can join the Friends for free, through the Next Gen scheme, and get access to £10 tickets to the operas, musical, and music events and £5 tickets to BIF’s book events. Click here for more information.
