Mid Wales Opera’s ‘Beatrice & Benedict’ enthrals audiences and impresses critics as it begins SmallStages Tour while Arts’ Council Wales consider their appeal following their withdrawal of funding earlier this month.
MWO said it is delighted with the success of their tour so far following the opening night of “Beatrice & Benedict” earlier this month in Bishop’s Castle, as it captivates audiences and delights them with its strong singing, superb acting, and witty, life-affirming performance.
As the tour has started to make its way across Wales and the borders, it has generated enthusiastic testimonials from those who went.
One audience member shared their enthusiasm, stating, “Bravi! The opening night of your Small Stages tour of Beatrice & Benedict was a resounding success – an evening of absolute delight. The intimacy of the space, the perfect intonation of the ensemble, the outstanding instrumental reduction of Jon Lyness, and the sheer fun and humour of the production. I was about to write, ‘If you’ve got nothing better to do tonight…’ But you can’t have. Just go! Whenever it comes near-ish to you. Go online. Book a ticket. Buy yourself some unadulterated pleasure!!!”
Another passionate supporter of the production shared their heartfelt appreciation, saying, “Such strong singing, superb acting, and a witty, life-affirming performance. Thank you. The loss of MWO would leave an opera-shaped hole in my life. I came late to an appreciation of the genre, but it is all thanks to you making it so accessible for me. Thank you again.”
This feedback underscores the remarkable talent and commitment of the Mid Wales Opera team, as well as the organisation’s dedication to making opera accessible to all. Mid Wales Opera eagerly anticipates the continued success of its SmallStages Tour, delivering outstanding performances to audiences across the region.
Gareth Williams, Chair of the Board of MWO said, “We have this week submitted an appeal to the Arts Council. The Board decided we owe it to our staff, the singers and musicians who we employ and our audiences to formally ask the Arts Council to reconsider its decision”.
The Beatrice & Benedict tour will continue to Aberdovey, Mold, Criccieth, Builth Wells, Fishguard, Aberdare, Barmouth and Holyhead, culminating in its final performance in Ludlow on Friday, November 10.
This tour is made possible with support from Arts Council of Wales, The National Lottery, The Gwendoline and Margaret Davies charity and the Colwinston Charitable Trust.
For comprehensive details, please visit www.midwalesopera.co.uk.
Small Stages Continuing Tour Dates (2023):
Friday 20 October: Neuadd Dyfi, Aberdovey
Wednesday 25 October: Theatr Clwyd, Mold
Thursday 26 October: Memorial Hall, Criccieth
Friday 27 October: Wyeside Arts Centre, Builth Wells
Wednesday 1 November: Theatr Gwaun, Fishguard
Thursday 2 November: St Elvan’s, Aberdare
Friday 3 November: Dragon Theatre, Barmouth
Wednesday 8 November: Ucheldre Centre, Holyhead
Friday 10 November: Ludlow Assembly Rooms
Creative Team:
Director and Designer: Richard Studer
Music Director: Jonathan Lyness
Cast:
Beatrice: Monica McGhee
Benedict: Huw Ynyr
Hero: Lorena Paz Nieto
Claudio: John Ieuan Jones
Leonata: Stephanie Windsor-Lewis
Don Pedro: Matthew Stiff
Musicians:
Violin: Elenid Owen
Cello: Nicola Pearce
Clarinet: Peryn Clement-Evans
Piano: Jonathan Lyness