From the ticket prices to the dress code (or lack thereof), anyone can go and enjoy a magical evening full of music, storytelling and suspense.
In Leeds, we’re lucky enough to have the wonderful Opera North right here on our doorstep in Leeds- the company is highly regarded as a leading arts organisation outside London, and this reason alone was enough to put our city on the map as one of the best travel destinations in 2023.
From the ticket prices to the dress code (or lack thereof), anyone can go and enjoy a magical evening full of music, storytelling and suspense.
For first timers like us, this was music to our ears.
When you think of the opera, words that spring to mind include ‘big’, ‘bold’ and ‘extravagant’. Attending your first performance can of course feel daunting and somewhat overwhelming, but it definitely doesn’t have to be – and Opera North well and truly showed us that.
Tickets and the Try it ON scheme
Having always wanted to go to the opera, to witness the incredible spectacle, amazing performances and be a part of the drama, we took the plunge and bought our tickets through Opera North’s Try it ON membership scheme, which offers newbies a way to try out the art form for the first time.
For just £20 you can get your hands on two great seats to a performance of your choice, a tote bag filled with goodies and access to exclusive offers after the show so that you can continue to enjoy your newfound passion.
The scheme is open to anyone who is new to opera and fancies giving it a whirl.
We booked online in a flash and our tickets were ready for us to collect from the box office next door to the theatre, it really could not have been easier.
Our performance of choice was The Cunning Little Vixen – described as a bittersweet fairy tale that guides the audience through an emotional yet life-affirming reflection on the nature of life.
Performed in English, we thought this was the best option for our first visit.
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Visiting Opera North for the first time: dining, drinks and drama
It was a cold February evening, and the warm lights of the beautiful Leeds Grand Theatre invited us in.
We stopped off at Opera North’s restaurant Kino for a quick bite to eat before the performance. Located just next door to the theatre it’s the perfect place to start your evening.
Kino, meaning cinema, is housed in a newly renovated, beautiful Grade II-listed building. The restaurant is hosting award-winning Levantine-inspired MorMor who serve delicious mezze and sharing plates focused on incredible flavours and fresh ingredients – until 1 Apr 2023.
After enjoying their pre-theatre menu and a couple of cocktails, we made our way to the box office to collect our tickets, eagerly awaiting the experience we were about to embark on.
Our tickets were swiftly checked, we grabbed a drink from the bar which had a buzzing atmosphere to it with excited theatre-goers, before making our way to our seats where our ‘Try it ON’ tote bags were left waiting for us.
The bags were filled with goodies, handy leaflets and tasty sweets which of course were very welcome during the interval.
Before we knew it, the curtains flew open and we were left astonished by an incredible set which resembled rolling hills complete with overhanging foliage.
The multitalented cast led us through the enchanting tale of Vixen Sharp-Ears. We remained mesmerised throughout, unable to look away from the spectacle before us.
Although this performance was sung in English, every show features surtitles which can easily be viewed on screens at either side of the stage, making it even easier to follow along with the plot.
Overall our experience at the opera was absolutely fantastic, from our meal at Kino to the final curtain call where we rapturously applauded the company for their triumphant performance.
From the outset we were made to feel so welcome, comfortable and at ease, leaving with any pre-conceived ideas of opera blown out of the water.
We left looking at what performance we could attend next, in Opera North’s current exciting season alone.
Read more: Discover a new passion with Opera North this season
And the fun definitely doesn’t stop there, with the spring season just around the corner there is lots to look forward to as Opera North embark on an exciting collaboration with Leeds-based contemporary dance company, Phoenix Dance Theatre.
From 26 May – 4 June 2023, the two companies will be joining forces to bring an electric co-production of Mozart’s Requiem to the Leeds Grand Theatre and it is certainly not one to be missed.
In this cross-cultural production, Phoenix Dance Theatre will join and performing artists from South Africa will join forces with the Chorus and Orchestra of Opera North in a unique response to the grief experienced by so many around the world during the pandemic.
So what are you waiting for? Dip your toe into the wonderful world of opera with Opera North’s Try it ON scheme and find yourself a newfound hobby.
You can have a look at the list of upcoming performances and book your tickets here on Opera North’s website.
Feature Image- The Hoot Leeds
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