Mansfield Park

"... wit and ingenuity from start to finish. As intimate opera experiences go, Waterperry Opera Festival's fresh, joy-fuelled Mansfield Park sets a new benchmark of quality, vibrancy and sheer fun. "

★★★★★ | Bachtrack

Performances on the 11th, 12th, 13th, 15th & 16th August @ 2pm

SOLD OUT

Location: Waterperry House Ballroom
Duration: Approx. 2h 15min
Details: 14:00 start | 20min interval | 16:15 finish

Back by popular demand, our much-beloved production of Jonathan Dove's Mansfield Park will be embarking on another 10-date national tour this summer.

This period-perfect opera brings Jane Austen’s world to life with charming wit and stunning music. Directed by Rebecca Meltzer (Svadba, Hansel and Gretel, Ariel), this production has received widespread critical-acclaim and has had three sold out runs at Waterperry over the years. Accompanied on the piano by Music Director Ashley Beauchamp (The Diary of One Who Disappeared, Hansel and Gretel), 10 singers perform as an ensemble of loveable characters pulling at our heartstrings and making us laugh-out-loud.

This intimate production brings audiences right into the centre of the action. Perfect for Austen and music lovers alike, be prepared to be whisked away.

"...a delightful entertainment, full of charm and wit, fine ensemble work and clear characterisation..." | Opera Scene

Composed by Jonathan Dove

Libretto by Alasdair Middleton

Based on a novel by Jane Austen

"Waterperry...proves that opera does not have to be grand to be successful." | The Telegraph

Tour Information

Mansfield Park at Kirtlington Park
15th & 16th September at 7pm. Tickets include a complimentary interval drink
Get your tickets here →

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Mansfield Park is SOLD OUT. Tickets are still available for other festival events.

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Creative Team

Director
Rebecca Meltzer

Music Director
Ashley Beauchamp

Repetiteur
George Ireland

Cast

Fanny Price
Flora Macdonald

Sir Thomas
Phil Wilcox

Lady Bertram
Emily Gray

Edmund Bertram
Milo Harries

Maria Bertram (July Tour)
Charlotte Hoather

Maria Bertram (Aug & Sept)
Ellie Neate

Julia Bertram
Sarah Anne Champion

Aunt Norris
Eleanor Garside

Henry Crawford
Robin Bailey

Mary Crawford
Eleanor Sanderson-Nash

Mr Rushworth
Lawrence Thackeray

Synopsis

Mansfield Park is based on the 1814 novel by Jane Austen. The chapters and their titles are sung by the ensemble.

Act 1

Chapter One: The Bertrams Observed.
In which we meet the inhabitants of Mansfield Park.

Chapter Two: First Impressions.
In which we discover that Miss Mary Crawford has twenty thousand pounds and that Mr Henry Crawford is not handsome.

Chapter Three: Sir Thomas Bertram's Farewell
In which Sir Thomas Bertram leaves for Antigua.

Chapter Four: Landscape Gardening
In which Mr Rushworth proposes a trip to Sotherton, his estate.

Chapter Five: In the Wilderness
In which the estate is explored.

Chapter Six: Music and Astronomy
In which songs are sung and stars observed.

Chapter Seven: Lovers' Vows
In which Amateur Theatricals are undertaken.

Chapter Eight: Persuasion
In which Edmund's resolution is tested.

Chapter Nine: The Rehearsal Interrupted
In which Sir Thomas returns.

Chapter Ten: Independence and Splendour, Or Twelve Thousand a Year In which happiness is defined.

Scene 11: Chapter Eleven. A View of a Wedding, seen from the Shrubbery at Mansfield Park
In which a wedding is celebrated, a honeymoon begun, a revelation made and plot hatched.

Act 2

Volume Two, Chapter One: Preparations for a Ball
In which Miss Fanny Price accepts a present from Miss Mary Crawford.

Chapter Two: A Ball
In which partners are chosen.

Chapter Three: A Proposal
In which the Bertram family are variously surprised, delighted, disappointed, confused and outraged.

Chapter Four: Some Correspondence
In which much ink is spilt.

Chapter Five: Follies and Grottoes
In which the Rushworths meet an old acquaintance.

Chapter Six: A Newspaper Paragraph
In which occurs a matrimonial fracas.

Chapter The Last:
In which Mr Edmund Bertram declares his feelings to his future bride.

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