You might think that family fun and opera cannot co-exist. Welsh National Opera’s Play Opera LIVE challenges you to think again. Our event is not just a performance but an experience, created with the playfulness and imagination of children at its core. We believe it’s a brilliant chance for families to experience opera and classical music in a relaxed environment, and that it is deeply inspiring for children. Here’s how.
Discovering opera’s hidden world
Play Opera LIVE allows you to witness ‘unseen’ parts of the opera world through pre-show activities and displays. For example, we are bringing spectacular costumes from previous productions, which will be exhibited for everyone to enjoy close-up. Backstage staff will also be around to teach you how to operate our lighting and sound stations, providing the opportunity to learn how we create impact onstage from afar. We feel that children of all ages can benefit from encounters like these, whether they learn a new skill, see something that ignites a creative passion, or are purely captivated by a sensory experience.
Musicians and opera lovers of the future
It’s a myth that opera and classical music are only suited to older generations. Children can absolutely enjoy it too, and we think encouraging an interest in this style of music is highly worthwhile. It could lead to your child becoming eager to play a musical instrument or join a choir. Who knows, perhaps they might even become a professional musician or singer one day! Alternatively, they might simply develop a love for watching opera or listening to classical music. It is difficult not to see the benefits of this, considering that studies are continuously proving that this kind of music has a positive impact on brain development and mental health.
Play Opera LIVE is of course rich in traditional classical music, including iconic pieces like Lacrimosa from Mozart’s Requiem and Je veux vivre from Gounod’s Roméo et Juliette. However, it equally features more lively pieces such as Denza’s Funiculì, Funiculà, an Italian song written to celebrate the opening of the first funicular railway on Mount Vesuvius, and Ian Stephens’ musical adaptation of the children’s book We’re Going on a Bear Hunt. Thus, we offer a dynamic performance experience, catered both for children who like to sit and observe and for those who want to get up and dance!
‘We hope this year’s fantastical mix of singing, dancing and much-needed audience participation will inspire both a growing love of live music and some classical music stars of the future!’
- Rebeka Peake, WNO Programmes and Engagement
Having fun
Let’s face it: children want to have fun. That’s why we’re coming before the performance armed with face paint and plenty of art and craft materials. Children, as well as adults, will be encouraged to make their own magic wand props, transporting them into a fantastical world where their imaginations can run wild. We have even organised a treasure hunt - a perfect family activity!
By combining a fabulous performance with these free engaging activities, we hope to leave children feeling inspired and curious about the world of opera.
This is your chance! Order your tickets for Southampton or Plymouth now, or join us in 2026 when we’ll be Shipwrecked!
