Opera Scotland

Fairy Queen

Posted 6 Jul 2012

Henry Purcell (pictured) wrote The Fairy Queen, a semi-opera, in 1692, based on Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream.   Glyndebourne's spectacular production, directed by Jonathan Kent, is to be broadcast on 22 July, so this is a good opportunity to point out the details of the work's Scottish première back in 1972.  In those days Edinburgh University Opera Club produced a series of baroque rarities - not just by Purcell, but by Handel, Rameau and even Lully.  The Fairy Queen was particularly demanding, since it also needed a squad of actors from the English Department to play Shakespeare's original parts.  Look at the cast - can you spot any who went on to make their life in theatre?

Check out our listing for the Glyndebourne screening here.