In 2023/24 we created The Fairy Queen, an exciting new community opera produced collaboratively with communities across the UK.
It expanded a number of existing Fairy Queen projects and built on the success of The Moon Hares in 2022. Composer James Redwood and writer Hazel Gould weave their creative magic, seamlessly blending the story of Shakespeare and the music of Henry Purcell’s 1692 opera into a magical new adventure for the whole family. Our reimagining is about wishes that come true, and what happens when they do, as we learn about friendship, love and telling the truth…
In 2023/24, our Education team worked with 23,252 participants including a live audience of 14,463, taking part in or seeing 381 workshops and 63 concerts. We visited 48 primary schools, four secondary schools, six SEN settings and three universities in 26 towns/cities/villages across England
‘Welcome to the Magical Forest. As you make your way through it you’ll soon discover that the journey to the Fairy Queen’s Party is not a straightforward path. Strange things happen all around as sprites and pixies enchant and trick, but the only real obstacle is ourselves.’
“I loved the dancers from Acland Burghley Secondary School. It was surprising to see how good they were when they're just a bit older than us!”
Primary Pupil
"My favourite part was the 'come and dance with me' song because I got to play the recorder with the OAE."
KS2 participant, London
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“I didn't expect the lady playing the Fairy Queen to sound as she did. Her voice blew my mind.”
Primary Choir Participant
“It was a lifetime opportunity and overwhelming... but in a good way!"
Primary Pupil
Supporters
We are delighted that we have been awarded a grant from Arts Council England (ACE) to support this project to tour Country Durham, York, King’s Lynn, Wiltshire, Plymouth and Lincolnshire over the next three years. Each performance will be different and a wonderful way to celebrate the diverse communities we work with.
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Special Educational Needs
