Theatre / Opera
Female opera-singing trio bring ‘Sit-Op-Com’ to The Alma Theatre
Now based in Bristol, mezzo-soprano opera singer Samantha Houston has recently added ‘playwright’ to her considerable skillset.
Two years ago, she made the decision to harness the creative freedom afforded by a period of downtime to put her life on stage down on paper.
In collaboration with her friends and fellow singers Bridget Hardy and Penny Rossano, she created Destination: ‘Old Hag’ – which she describes as “possibly the world’s first ‘Situation-Operatic-Comedy’”.
Set backstage, as the ladies of the chorus prepare for their roles as the three witches in Verdi’s Macbetto (after Shakespeare’s Macbeth), the story is informed by the trio’s real-life experiences of working in the opera world.
Samantha Houston, Bridget Hardy and Penny Rossano in Old Hags at Folkestone Live! 2024 – photo: Lesia Dubeniyk
Although ultimately, the narrative is about women in middle age, Houston believes its appeal is far wider, citing fans of music, theatre, comedy, grassroots art and new writing, as well as those rooting for the underdog, and anyone with “wives, mothers and teachers” in their lives.
The most heartening feedback to date on Destination: ‘Old Hag’ has been from audiences for whom the show represents a first experience of opera.
“I am here to tell you that opera is for everyone!” Houston enthuses. “I really wanted to dispel the myth that opera is ‘elitist’ by telling a story of the ‘ordinary women’ who perform it, and include a bit of humour and heart.
“One audience member promised to go to a fully-staged performance, which was wonderful. If our show can persuade more people to promise that, then I’ll be happy.”
Destination ‘Old Hag’ is at The Alma Tavern and Theatre on October 20 at 3pm and 5pm. Tickets are available at www.tickettailor.com.
Main photo: Dilpesh Patel
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