Considered to be one of Britain’s finest operas, Peter Grimes is a dramatic deep dive into what happens when a community and an individual are at odds. Featuring an all-star cast, such as Nicky Spence as Peter Grimes, Dame Sarah Connolly as Auntie and WNO Music Director Tomáš Hanus as the conductor, this is sure to be the perfect storm.
Read our quick guide below to learn all you need to know about Peter Grimes and what you can expect from this gripping opera.
Benjamin Britten’s first major opera, Peter Grimes, is based on poet George Crabbe’s narrative poem, The Borough. It was back in 1941 when Britten first encountered the poem. Britten, who had escaped from a bellicose Europe, was living in America at the time with his partner, and it was that poem that sparked a sense of nostalgia for England. A year later, Britten set sail back to England with a generous donation of $1000 from composer Koussevitzky to produce the opera calledPeter Grimes. Despite the initial complaints from some of Sadler’s Wells staff about the “cacophony” that was Britten’s music – Peter Grimes went on to be a smash hit.
A story about isolation at its core: Grimes, a local fisherman, finds himself at odds with his community following a series of unfortunate accidents. The opera opens on an inquest into the death of Grimes’ apprentice; the coroner questions the fisherman following the death at sea, and despite the general antagonism from the villagers, Grimes’ explanation is considered satisfactory, and the death is ruled as accidental. Mr. Swallow, however, conditions the fisherman that he cannot have another apprentice. Infuriated by the verdict, Ellen Orford, his friend placates Grimes.
The next day, Ned Keene informs Grimes that he has found a new apprentice, John, from the workhouse. Nobody dares go and fetch the boy until Ellen offers. A storm approaches, and the community boards their windows and equipment, but Grimes bears the weather and returns to sea. In the local pub, tensions arise, and when Peter Grimes arrives, the community are suspicious. Ellen shortly follows with the new apprentice; Grimes doesn’t hesitate; he immediately sets off with the apprentice to his hut, despite the raging storm.
But what is to come of his new apprentice?
Featuring Britten’s famous Sea Interludes, which are peppered throughout the performance. This tremendous musical experience will be brought to life by the WNO Orchestra and Chorus with Tomáš Hanus conducting. They will be joined by an exceptional cast featuring the talents of Nicky Spence (Grimes), Sally Matthews (Ellen Orford), David Kempster (Balstrode), Dame Sarah Connolly (Auntie), Oliver Johnston (Bob Boles), Jeffrey Lloyd-Roberts (Rev Horace Adams), Dominic Sedgwick (Ned Keene), Catherine Wyn-Rogers (Mrs Sedley), Fflur Wyn (First Niece), Eiry Price (Second Niece), Callum Thorpe (Hobson) and Sion Goronwy (Swallow)
Furthermore, we’ll be joined by a brilliant team of creatives, including Melly Still as the Director, Joseph Alford as the Associate Director, Chiara Stephenson as the Set Designer, Malcom Rippeth as the Lighting Designer, and IIona Karas as the Costume Designer.
Make sure you don’t miss out on your chance to see WNO’s brand-new production of Peter Grimes, opening in the Wales Millennium Centre on Saturday, 5 April, before touring Southampton, Birmingham, Milton Keynes and Plymouth.
