Le Carnaval de Venise: A Circus-Opera

This summer, we’re celebrating our fifth anniversary with a dazzling collision of Baroque opera and contemporary circus. Join us for Le Carnaval de Venise (1699), a joyful, fast-paced and theatrical reimagining of Campra’s vibrant opera, performed in-the-round under our iconic circus tent in the grounds of The Vache – or as we’re calling it this year, Venice 2.0.

Expect a feast for the senses as acrobats, aerial artists and musicians bring Campra’s richly varied score to life. From lively folk dances with infectious percussion to lyrical arias and buoyant chorus numbers, the music dances between French, Italian and a little English too, echoing the playful, multilingual spirit of the original work.

The story opens backstage, where a frazzled stage manager is frantically trying to get the show on the road. When the Goddess Minerva arrives and finds chaos, she summons the Gods of Music, Dance, Painting and Architecture to help transform the scene. Along the way, we meet mismatched lovers, divine interventions and theatrical chaos – all culminating in a joyful ‘play within a play’ as the characters stage the Orpheus myth at the Venice Carnival. Just as the performance begins, a pair of lovers seize the moment to elope – a fittingly dramatic conclusion to this Carnival tale.

Directed by James Hurley, with circus direction and movement by Rebecca Solomon, this production promises energy, spectacle and a hint of audience involvement. Starring mezzo-soprano Katie Bray and soprano Julieth Lozano, it’s a summer experience like no other – bold, beautiful and bursting with imagination.

The grounds open at 3pm for picnicking and exploring, with installations and musical pop-ups to enjoy before the performance begins. Act I starts at 5.30pm, followed by a relaxed dining interval around 6.30pm. Act II begins at 7.30pm, with the performance concluding at approximately 8.30pm.

Join us for an unforgettable evening of music, movement and magic under the big top.

Booking is required.

Accessibility:

During the booking process, we ask audiences to detail any additional support (wheelchair access and spaces etc.) that they might need to make their visit an enjoyable one. Our box office team are more than happy to assist and will get in touch to confirm arrangements closer to the event.

We have a BSL interpreter at our Relaxed Performance which takes place on Sunday 7 September!