CARMEN 2023

Bizet’s Carmen, presented by award winning stage director, Eleanor Burke, and our inspiring musical director, John Paul Jennings. The cast of dazzling singers is joined by our energetic chorus, many of whom hail from the local community. Full details of the cast are below.

In a Spanish prison, Carmen declares that any person she loves should beware. But even she is unprepared for what will happen when she decides to seduce Don José, a prison guard who initially appears uninterested in her charms. Don José soon abandons his sweetheart Micaëla and his life for Carmen, and joins her and her smuggler friends in the mountains. But Carmen quickly wearies of Don José's possessiveness. When she turns her attentions to the dashing toreador Escamillo, Don José's jealousy erupts into violence and Carmen’s insistence on maintaining her freedom comes at a terrible cost. 

Carmen - Abbie Ward
                Elora Ledger (cover)
Don José - Roberto Abate
                  Robin Whitehouse (cover)
Micaëla - Lizzie Ryder
               Manuela Baranik (cover)
Escamillo - Benoît Déchelotte
Frasquita - Eleanor Janes
                  Sophie Price (cover)
Mercedes - Hannah Morley
                  Alexandra Dinwiddie (cover)
Morales - Ashley Mercer
Le Duncaïre - Thomas Litchev
Le Remendado - Lars Fischer
                           Peder Holtermann (cover)
Zuniga - Jacob Dyksterhouse

Chorus - Patricia Ninian, Sue Roberts, Bridget Coaker, Daphne Perry, Paul Bolton

Director - Eleanor Burke
Conductor - John Paul Jennings
Movement director - Alex Gotch
Set and costume designer - Raphae Memon
Assistant director - Finn Lacey
Stage Manager - Lorrie Hay
Artistic director - Patricia Ninian
Lighting - Paul Need: 10 out of 10

Creative:

Director   Eleanor Burke

Conductor   John Paul Jennings

Movement Director  Alexander Gotch

Set / Costume design   Raphaé Memon

Assistant director  Finn Lacey

Stage Manager  Lorrie Hay

Our cast:

Carmen     Abbie Ward

Don José   Ricardo Abate

Escamillo  Benoît Déchelotte

Micaëla   Lizzie Ryder

Zuniga    Jacob Dyksterhouse

Le Dancaïre   Thomas Litchev

Le Remendado   Lars Fischer

Mercédès    Hannah Morley

Frasquita   Eleanor Janes

Morales     Ashley Mercer

Carmen cover    Elora Ledger 

Don José cover  Robin Whitehouse 

Micaëla cover    Manuela Baranik 

Mercédès cover    Alexandra Dinwiddie 

Frasquita cover  Sophie Price 

Le Remendado cover    Peder Holtermann 

Chorus

Patricia Ninian

Susan Roberts

Bridget Coaker

Daphne Perry

Paul Bolton

Carmen for schools

Through the month of June, St Paul’s Opera will be taking Carmen workshops into four state primary schools in and around Clapham, giving children a taste of opera with one of the most favourite titles in the operatic repertoire.

The aim of these workshops is to introduce the world of opera through singing and music making, story-telling and role play. These workshops are run by members of the SPO cast, many of whom work with children’s choirs and music groups in London and across the UK. In current times, when music education is under threat, free workshops like these go some way to ensure future generations become familiar with music and opera, and maybe even encourage opera stars for the future

We are also delighted to present a children's matinee performance of Carmen at St. Paul's Church, Rectory Grove Clapham, SW4 0DZ, on July 1st at 2:00pm. This has been made possible with the generous support of the Cosman Keller Art and Music Trust. This will be a performance of the favourite arias and ensembles of the opera, including the children’s chorus, which will be prepared by the pupils as part of the schools workshops.

Families and friends of the cast, including the soloists and the children’s chorus are invited to join us at the beautiful St. Paul's Church, Clapham for a 1hr 15mins highlights show, telling a passionate tale of love, jealousy, and tragedy, set against the vibrant backdrop of Spain. 

With a talented cast of performers, colourful sets, and memorable melodies, Carmen promises to be a truly immersive experience for children of all ages. The timeless story and unforgettable music of this opera will transport young spectators into a world where emotions soar and dreams take flight.

St Paul’s Opera is a renowned opera company committed to bringing the art form to diverse audiences and creating unforgettable theatrical experiences. Through innovative productions and exceptional performances, they aim to make opera accessible and enjoyable for all. Before and during the show a bar will be open selling soft drinks and wine.

Tickets for the Carmen children's matinee show are now available for purchase by clicking on the button below. Children go free and adults tickets are just £15 (plus booking fee). Limited seating is available, so we encourage families to secure their tickets early to ensure they don't miss this extraordinary opportunity. Subject to availability, tickets will be available on the door at £18.

Don't miss the chance to introduce your children to the captivating world of opera with Carmen. It's a performance that will leave a lasting impression on both children and adults alike.