Orpheus in the Underworld
Jacques Offenbach
08 | 12 | 15 August
Libretto by Hector Crémieux and Ludovic Halévy
Sung (mostly) in J R Planché’s London version (1865)
Narrative script and lyrics for five additional numbers by Simon Butteriss
Two act version first performed 21st October 1858 at the Théâtre des Bouffes-Parisiens
Conductor Michael Waldron
Director Simon Butteriss
Associate Designer Elliott Squire
Lighting Designer Luca Panetta
With the Bristol Ensemble
Sung in English with surtitles
Jacques Offenbach
Offenbach’s Orpheus in the Underworld scandalized and delighted 19th century Paris – no one was safe and nothing was sacred as Offenbach cut a gleeful swathe through political, musical and moral peccadilloes with a dazzlingly tuneful score that embraced both the Can-Can and the Marseillaise. Offenbach, dubbed by Rossini the Mozart of the Champs Elysées, pokes hilarious fun at po-faced classical opera in general and Gluck in particular as Orpheus is dragged to Hell to rescue an unwilling wife, accompanied by the Gods, in search of Bacchanalian joy.
“National treasure” (BBC Music Magazine) Simon Butteriss adapts and directs what promises to be an outrageously joyous version of Offenbach’s comic masterpiece.
Cast
ORPHEUS Joseph Doody
EURIDICE Harriet Eyley
PUBLIC OPINION/JUNO Gráinne Gillis
STYX/MARS/BACCHUS Matthew Siveter
PLUTO Robin Bailey
JUPITER Simon Butteriss
MERCURY Sam Marston
CUPID Susie Buckle
DIANA Katey Rylands
Priority booking opens for patrons, sponsors and members from Monday 10 February 2025
General booking opens on Thursday 20 March 2025
Or call Bath Box Office on: 01225 463 362
Visit our membership page to access Priority Booking, Member Pricing and other benefits.
Dates & Times
Friday 08 August
Tuesday 12 August
Friday 15 August
4:30pm Gardens & restaurant opens
7:00pm Performance starts
9:00pm Approximate end
Running time: one hour 30 minutes with half-hour interval
Tickets
£25.00 - £100.00 Members
£30.00 - £105.00 Non-members
£105.00 - Band A
£85.00 - Band B
£70.00 - Band C
£55.00 - Band D
£30.00 - Band E
Children aged 12+ are welcome & under 18’s go free (limited availability, please enquire at Bath Box Office)
No dogs are permitted, except for assistance dogs
Please note, we have configured the seating so that the audience surrounds the stage, with raked seating available in all seating blocks, and the opera is directed as an 'in the round' performance.
THE COWSHED BY HOMEWOOD
Introducing our exclusive, new restaurant for the 2025 season
The Cowshed by Homewood offers an exclusive, Mediterranean-inspired VIP dining experience where the art of cooking over fire takes centre stage. Here, feasting is more than a meal—it’s a celebration of flavour, craftsmanship, and the finest local ingredients.
The experience begins with generous sharing platters, brimming with hand-selected produce that showcases the best of Somerset. As the evening unfolds, the Somerset grill takes over, expertly flame-searing and smoking locally sourced meats to perfection, enhancing their rich, natural flavours.
Small plates take inspiration from Homewood’s very own No-Dig Kitchen Garden, bringing vibrant, homegrown ingredients to the table. To elevate every bite, a carefully curated selection of wines from distinguished partners offers the perfect pairing, ensuring a truly unforgettable dining experience under the open sky.
Tables in The Cowshed by Homewood will be available to book from Thursday 20 March, please register your interest below and we will email you a link to find out more and reserve a table when booking opens:
Venue
Church Farm, Wingfield, (A366 Wingfield Road), BA14 9LE. Click here for full venue details.
Wet weather
Our purpose-built theatre is fully covered and performances go ahead whatever the weather.
Accessibility
Our auditorium is accessible for wheelchairs. If you, or any member of your party require particular seating or have access needs, please inform Bath Box Office when booking your tickets to ensure we reserve the correct seating area for you.
Restaurant, picnics & bar
Tables can be pre-booked at our new restaurant, The Cowshed by Homewood from Thursday 20 March. Guests with a restaurant table booking will also gain access to the restaurant Champagne Bar.
Guests are also welcome to bring tables and chairs or rugs to picnic within the grounds of Church Farm. Please note, there are limited sheltered areas if the weather is wet.
A pop-up bar serving a selection of drinks including specially created cocktails for the season alongside wine, beer and soft drinks will also be available in the garden at all events.
Travel
There will be shuttle service available from Bradford on Avon for those travelling by public transport and Bradford on Avon residents, full details will be shared nearer the time.
By car ~ There will be free parking available onsite. Please consider sharing lifts with friends and family where possible. The parking will be managed by our team of stewards and crew and well lit.
By taxi ~ there is a taxi service located at Bradford on Avon railway station. Visit www.bradfordonavon-taxis.co.uk for taxi bookings.
By train ~ there will be a shuttle service available from Bradford on Avon train station direct to Church Farm. There are regular trains to Bradford on Avon from London (change at Bath), Bristol and Westbury. Visit www.gwr.com for train timetables and services.
By bus ~ The D1 bus connects Bradford on Avon to Bath, Winsley, Trowbridge and Warminster and there will be a shuttle service available from Bradford on Avon to Church Farm. Visit www.firstbus.co.uk for bus timetables and services.