YOU know just how much time it takes to sort out your packing before you go away on holiday? Well imagine what it must be like to move this little lot about the country...
Ian Jackson, Head of Planning and Company Management at Glyndebourne says:
“We take 18 principal cast, 38 members of the Glyndebourne chorus, four children, nine actors and six dancers on the road. Plus 57 musicians with their instruments, chairs and music stands. (The Glyndebourne music library produce 175 vocal scores and 100 orchestral parts)
“We shall have in the region of 120 wigs which need to be cleaned and redressed between each Opera; Goliath's head, 2 sets of hairy feet/legs and a wigged decapitated head! For every performance all artists’ hair needs to be prepped for a wig or styled accordingly and finished off with the application of hats or headdresses.
The makeup for each opera takes almost a year to create and research. Saul is a huge make up show - it contains everything from scars and blood, to prosthetics and glitter! Die Entfuhrung aus dem Serail is at the other end of the spectrum - make up is kept to a minimum to remain in keeping with what would have been used when the production is set.”
Ian continues: "This will be our 16th year at Milton Keynes and we always enjoy our week there It is a wonderful theatre to work in - so warm and welcoming."
This year, the Glyndebourne programme features three operas: Mozart’s Die Entfuhrung aus dem Serail, Donizetti’s Don Pasquale and Handel’s Saul.
Henry Waddington, who plays the title role in Saul is an enthusiastic ambassador for the company.
"I was in the chorus at Glyndebourne from 1992 to 1995 straight from college” he says. “And I sang my first major role on Tour in La Bohème in 1995 - so 2015 marks my 20th anniversary!
“Glyndebourne productions are known for risk-taking, for being innovative and for creating new productions that give a completely different view on operas old and new. The Tour is an excellent way to introduce opera to audiences that have never experienced the art form before. It is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy the Glyndebourne experience wherever they are based."
Glyndebourne Tour 2015 will be based right here on your doorstep at Milton Keynes Theatre from Tue 10 – Sat 14 Nov. For more information call the box office on 0844 871 7652 or visit: Our Website
