London Festival Opera

Many celebrated filmmakers feature opera in their movies knowing that this will add an extra dramatic and emotional dimension to key scenes. Opera brings a depth and richness to the cinematic experience like no other music.

Opera at the Movies is a programme of passion, drama and humour of celebrated opera pieces featured in films including Pretty Woman, Shawshank Redemption, Quantum of Solace, The Witches of Eastwick, Gallipoli, Mrs Doubtfire, Amadeus, Family Man, Quartet, Rocky Balboa, The Father, Moonstruck, Chariots of Fire, The Godfather, Titanic and more…

Sit back and listen to some of the greatest music ever written in the company of Handel, Mozart, Rossini, Verdi, Bizet, Puccini, Offenbach and Gilbert & Sullivan.  This is a live performance with spoken introductions and accompanied by superb orchestral backing tracks.

London Festival Opera brings together distinguished artists from the major companies including the Royal Opera, ENO and Glyndebourne with exceptional young singers.   Past performances have been throughout the UK and Europe, including in one of the world’s greatest opera houses La Fenice in Venice, and as far afield as Hong Kong, Africa and India.

An evening not to be missed for all opera lovers and a perfect first visit to the opera!

‘A stirring performance’  THE TIMES

‘Opera at its very best’  THE OXFORD TIMES

www.londonfestivalopera.co.uk 

Presented by Clive Conway

Sir Derek Jacobi in conversation with Richard Clifford

Sir Derek Jacobi ‘is an icon of Stage and Screen’ … known for his work at the Royal National Theatre, has a BAFTA, Olivier, Emmy, Screen Guild and Tony Award and to top it all off; Derek was given a Knighthood for his services to theatre by Queen Elizabeth II.  Not bad for a boy who grew up in Essex, the son of a corner shop owner and a secretary. From Leytonstone and the Leyton Players to ‘Hamlet’ at the Edinburgh Fringe and a scholarship to Cambridge.

With peers such as Ian McKellen and Trevor Nunn; Derek is a founding member of the National Theatre and was invited to be a member of the Birmingham Rep.  Derek is an enormous talent with Shakespeare running through his blood and having starred in almost every Shakespearian play, notably in ‘Hamlet’ and ‘Othello’, two of the greats.

Six decades and so many big screen favourites… ‘I, Claudius’, ‘Gladiator I’ and ‘Gladiator II’, ‘Last Tango in Halifax’, ‘The Crown’, ‘The Day of the Jackal’, ‘Nanny McPhee’, ‘Gosford Park’ and ‘The King’s Speech’ to mention just a few of his triumphs. And let’s not forget, his audio book work, which includes ‘The Night Garden’ for the BBC children's series another huge hit.  There is no doubt that Derek has an incredible body of work

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Richard Clifford is an actor and director. Richard has appeared in films such as ‘Much Ado About Nothing’, ‘Love’s Labour’s Lost’, ‘Frankenstein’ and ‘Murder on the Orient Express’ (all directed by Kenneth Branagh), ‘My Week With Marilyn’ and ‘Justice League’, as well as TV such as ‘The Crown’ and ‘It’s A Sin’. Theatre credits include ‘Amadeus’ at Chichester and ‘Henry V’ in the West End. He has directed productions at Washington’s Folger Shakespeare Theatre for over 20 years. With Richard in the driving seat for the evening, there will be incredible insight, joy of Shakespeare… and so much more, as he is also Derek’s partner.

Step back in time and immerse yourself in the electrifying era of the 60s to the 90s – with a show that will blow your mind. Hit after hit from The Kinks, The Who, The Jam, Ocean Colour Scene, and Small Faces, and scores more.

Brought to you by The Goldhawks, whose previous tours, Quadrophenia - the album, LIVE! and Tommy achieved hundreds of five-star reviews, this show is nothing short of phenomenal.

It is a testament to the timeless appeal of the Mod movement, a high-quality, authentic nod to a scene that is as relevant now as it was back in the day.

Whether you're a die-hard fan of the 60s or simply someone who appreciates good music, this show is an absolute must-see. So, come one, come all, and experience the magic of an era that continues to captivate audiences of all ages. Let the music transport you to a time of rebellion, style, and unapologetic expression.

*****

“Awesome” – Phil Daniels

“Brilliant” – Jane Horrocks

“Six out of five stars” – Scene Sussex

The Mod movement, a vibrant British youth culture, has endured since the 1960s, leaving a lasting impact on fashion, music, and lifestyle.

Mod embodies a spirit of individuality and style characterised by sharp suits, iconic scooters, and a love for rhythm and blues.

Today, the legacy of Mod continues to inspire new generations, blending classic influences with contemporary flair.