Burry Port Opera to stage “The Merry Wives of Windsor”

BURRY Port Opera is putting on “The Merry Wives of Windsor” for this year’s show.

The comic opera by Otto Nicolai takes place at Burry Port Memorial Hall on Wednesday October 30, Friday, November 1, and Saturday November 2, at 7pm on all days.

It features the fat old Knight Sir John Falstaff who attempts to seduce Mrs Ford and Mrs Page, and a fierce competition to obtain the hand of Page’s daughter Ann.

Formed in 1951 to raise funds to maintain the Memorial Hall, Burry Port Opera is a registered charity.

The first opera staged was Blodwen, which was also the first one ever to be written completely in the Welsh language.

An opera has been put on every year since then with local people singing the main parts until 1971, when professional artists were engaged.

This year, the opera is being performed by a strong cast of professional principals including Naomi Harvey, Charles Johnston, Sven Fürst, and Mary-Jean O’Doherty.

They are supported by the Burry Port Opera Chorus accompanied by Roger Hart, and the orchestra led by Mansel Hughes. It is produced by Keith J Clarke and conducted by Ryan Lee.

A spokesman said: “We have a great reputation for putting on a wonderful colourful professional opera with great singers from around the world joining us in principal roles. This year’s performance promises to follow in this great tradition and we hope it will be well supported.”

Tickets prices are £15 (reserved) and £12. Concessions are available at £10 for older people. Tickets available from Christine Rudge , call 01554 835659 or e-mail chrisrudge@live.com.

For more information visit www.burryportopera.org.uk

DID YOU KNOW?

Burry Port Memorial Hall was built in 1947 in remembrance of those who lost their lives fighting in World War II. Hangars from Pembrey Airport, no longer needed to store planes after the war ended, were used to form the roof of the Memorial Hall.