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 the traditional 7.15pm.
CREATIVE TEAM
Adrian Kelly Conductor
Jack Furness Director
Samie Fendall Designer
Jake Wiltshire Lighting Designer
Erika Gudensen Repetiteur
CAST
Gregory Feldmann Hamlet
Alastair Miles Claudius
Yewon Han Ophélie
Richard Woodall Polonius
Allison Cook Gertrude
Joshua Baxter Laërte
Tylor Lamani Marcellus
Dan D’Souza Horatio
Per Bach Nissen Ghost
John Ieuan Jones First gravedigger
James Liu Second gravedigger
