Pembridge Footlights Bring Ballet, Opera, and Theatre to Pembridge

Established in conjunction with the Parish Hall Committee, the Footlights aim to bring the performing arts to Pembridge both to audiences and to those who wish to perform.

A programme of streamed events from the National Theatre, Royal Ballet, and Royal Opera House has been planned. Audiences have been treated to superlative performances which left them spellbound.

So far this has included Ralph Fiennes as England football manager, Gareth Southgate, in James Graham’s “Dear England” and Andrew Scott in a single-handed adaptation of Checkov’s “Uncle Vanya”. The Royal Ballet’s “ Manon” was for many, their first experience of ballet, and it too was a roaring success. As the performances are filmed, close-ups of the performers give the streamed audience the equivalent of the best seats in the house, at a fraction of West End prices.

The programme for April and early May includes more gems which we detail below:-

Puccini’s La Rondine (The Swallow), first performed in 1917, is one of Puccini’s lesser-known operas. Set in Paris and on the French Riviera, the Metropolitan Opera’s production explores Parisian nightlife in the 1920s. Starring soprano Angel Blue and tenor Jonathan Tetelman.

Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake needs little introduction. Out hunting, Prince Siegfried chances upon a flock of swans. One transforms into a beautiful woman Odette; Siegfried falls in love, but Odette is bound by a spell which keeps her as a swan. Can Siegfried free her? This Royal Ballet production from the Royal Opera House is choreographed by Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov.

Bizet’s Carmen Producer Damiano Michieletto evokes all the passion and heat of Bizet’s score, which features Carmen’s Habanera and the rousing Toreador song. Aigul Akhmetshina performs the title role.

Nye from the National Theatre is a new play by Tim Price. Michael Sheen plays Nye Bevan, the godfather of the NHS. Confronted with his death, Nye Bevan’s memories lead him on a mind-bending journey back through his life; from childhood to being a miner, in Parliament, and a confrontation with Churchill.

All performances are at the Parish Hall, Bearwood Lane. Tickets, for all these performances, at £10 each, are on sale at www.pembridgeparishhall.co.uk Proceeds to the Parish Hall funds.

Become a member.

You can become a member of the Friends of Footlights, which is free, get advance notification of, and help shape future programmes.

www.pembridgeparishhall.co.uk/news-and-views/pembridge-footlights-society

Kay Ingram