FANTASTIC MR FOX.
Stephen decided to stage the opera promenade style in and around various parts of Holland Park’s Yucca Lawn so that the audience, as well as the performers and the orchestra, moved to different locations during the hour long performance. In addition to using the Park’s natural environment of trees, shrubbery and fields two free standing sets – a two-tiered foxhole and a Farmyard Barn - were designed by
Sean Turner and situated at different locations on the Yucca Lawn.
The 15 strong cast was led by Australian baritone Grant Doyle in the title role and featured four children as the Fox cubs.
The seven performances sold out within days of booking opening and were a huge success. Entertaining for both children and adults, this production introduced many children to opera for the first time in a fun, physical and interactive way and allowed them to enjoy and share an opera experience with their parents and grand parents. Some of their feedback is listed below.
FANTASTIC MR FOX
will be revived as part of the 2011 Opera Holland Park festival.
WHAT THEY SAID - and DREW!
The production was as fantastic as the name might suggest. The
whole family enjoyed it, particularly my 3 year old son. It was the
first time he had ever concentrated on something like this and now
asks if he can go to the opera every day! What a great
success.
Natasha and Alexander Hogben
I really liked the way we moved around and they were great
actors and singers. Very good costumes and amazing sets. A
brilliant story and really exciting characters. A fantastic
show!
David Dowley, aged 8
Image by Lauren Hanna, aged 7 Image by Issy Van de Velde, aged 8
I thought it was absolutely brilliantly done - I brought
six children who loved every minute of it - moving around was
great. The acting was really good, it was so lively. The music
was great, modern but melodious; a great introduction to opera for
young people.
Bridget Stevenson
Image by Ellie Barnard, aged 6 Image by Emma Taylor, aged 9
I liked the way you felt you were in the scene a little
bit.
P Rimell, aged 10
I really liked how you had to move around the whole time and
also how the singers connected with the audience. Mrs Hedgehog and
Mr Porcupine were very funny.
L Rimell, aged 14
Image by Romilly Travers, aged 5 Image by Nathaniel Howitt, aged 7
Brilliant use of exceptional summer days. A great way to
introduce children to opera.
Stephen Machin
Image by Georgia, aged 5 Image by Jasmine Fields Hutchinson, aged 5
I cannot thank you enough for the amazing production of
Fantastic Mr Fox and for introducing my 2 children to opera in such
a 'child-friendly' way. It was done in such an accessible way for
them - a wonderful story to adapt, a young, fun, talented cast, a
vibrant orchestra and a magical setting in Holland Park. Thank you
from the bottom of my heart.
Bronwyn Goodwin
Image by Verity Mynors, aged 9 Image by Holly Huntrods, aged 10
Image by Zack Propert, aged 4