Acclaimed opera company and charity, Longborough Festival Opera, is bringing its Playground Opera programme to schools across the Cotswolds this spring 2025.
The programme was first launched in 2021 and reaches over 1,000 pupils each year, bringing emerging talent and musicians together to perform and inspire young people to discover the magic of opera.
The directors, musicians, singers and actors that make up The Longborough Education Team are touring a vibrant retelling of Donzetti's The Elixir of Love, titled The Implausible Potions of Dr Dulcamara.
The original story, which is packed with love, humour and a touch of magical mischief, has been specially adapted to engage young audiences and spark spectators' imagination.
Longborough's head of learning and participation, Emma Campbell said: 'Our mission is to break down barriers to opera and bring it to children who may never have encountered it otherwise. Playground Opera introduces pupils to the power of music, storytelling and collaboration, helping to build confidence, spark creativity and expand horizons. We’re so proud to offer this experience to over 1,000 young people this year.'
The touring team will spend a full day at each school it visits, unpacking the story in open discussions with pupils to motivate them to consider their own choices — along with the chance for each group to rewrite the narrative in an engaging and interactive workshop-style session.
The day culminates in a performance where the pupils join the professional cast, creating a shared experience of creativity and collaboration.
The Playground Opera programme was designed to continue Longborough Festival Opera's mission to make opera accessible to a wider audience while also promoting creativity, teamwork and confidence.
For more information, visit lfo.org.uk.
