A devastating theatrical experience **** 
THE TIMES, SPRING 2006

Rarely does a touring production have so much to offer … Worth moving heaven and earth to see. *****
THE INDEPENDENT, AUTUMN 2005

A comic opera by Richard Brinsley Sheridan
Thomas Linley Music
Michael Barker-Cavern Director
Joseph McHardy Conductor
Adam Wiltshire Designer

This Autumn English Touring Opera, one of the leading opera companies in the UK, is staging the world premiere and nationwide tour of Alexander Goehr’s opera Promised End. In the De La Warr Pavilion the piece will be performed in repertory with The Duenna, by Richard Brinsley Sheridan and Tomas Linley Snr and Jnr.

An opera which created theatrical history, for 75 years The Duenna was the nation’s favourite and most successful opera, amassing the fortunes in Covent Garden.

Sheridan’s own scandalous elopement with soprano Elizabeth Linley provided the story for which her father and brother (“the English Mozart”) provided the music.

This authentic reconstruction of the only opera by the creator of The School for Scandal, features theatrical singers including Richard Suart, Nuala Willis, and a period orchestra.

The Duenna had a formidable success in England during the last quarter of the eighteenth century. Its terrific popularity made the fortunes of the Royal Theatre, Covent Garden. The Duenna is an unusual opera of shining wit and levity, and one of Sheridan’s best received stage works. Michael Barker Caven’s new production showcases the comic talents of Richard Suart, Nuala Willis and Adrian Thompson, alongside a clutch of young singers. The period orchestra is directed by Joseph McHardy, in his opera debut.

There will be a pre-performance talk at 6.30pm

Special Offer: If you buy tickets for both Promised End and The Duenna, tickets cost only £20 each. To take advantage of this please book via the Box Office, quoting this offer on 01424 229 111