Where to go and what to see this week
Welsh National Opera
The wonderful Welsh National Opera are performing at New Theatre Oxford this week with a new production of Verdi’s decadent tale of debauchery and deceit Rigoletto and, following its WNO premiere in June, Puccini’s triptych of one-act operas Il trittico. Audiences in Oxford will have the opportunity to enjoy a concert performance of the trio of operas in one night tomorrow (Friday). Rigoletto and ll trittico run from today (Thursday) to Saturday. Set in the ruthless court of the Duke of Mantua, Rigoletto is a heart-wrenching tale exploring the web of love, betrayal and the consequences of power. Verdi wrote that Rigoletto was his best opera, and this new production showcases a tapestry of emotions and unforgettable melodies, including The Duke’s aria La donna è mobile and one of opera’s most famous quartets Bella figlia dell'amore. In the trio, The story of Il tabarro (The Cloak) tells of a deadly love triangle on the banks of the river Seine. Suor Angelica (Sister Angelica) explores the heartbreaking tale of a young mother-turned-nun, who has been living in a convent for some seven years, sent there by her family to hide their shame after she gave birth to a child outside of wedlock. Gianni Schicchi begins with the death of Buoso Donati and it’s soon after that his greedy family realise that he has bequeathed the entire contents of his will to a monastery and has left them nothing.
Blues rock from Canada
Planet Rock presents Bywater Call plus guests Lauren Housley & The Northern Cowboys at Arlington Arts on Saturday. the electrifying 7-piece Southern Soul, Roots Rock sensation hails from the vibrant music scene of Toronto, Canada. Led by the dynamic duo Meghan Parnell and Dave Barnes, Bywater Call is on an adrenaline-fuelled UK tour presented by the legendary Planet Rock Radio. They are also bringing along some incredible company – the sensational Lauren Housley & The Northern Cowboys, lauded by the iconic presenter Bob Harris as “A wonderful emerging Americana act, I really love her music”. In 2023, Bywater Call took the UK by storm, supporting the acclaimed Robert Jon and the Wreck, leaving audiences hungry for more. Now, they’re back and ready to unleash their full blues rock force with a tour that promises to be nothing short of unforgettable.
Light trail at Welford Park
Spectacle of Light offers a breath-taking trail through light, colour and fantasy at Welford Park until November 10 (on selected evenings). It’s a chance to view the much loved paths of the park from a different perspective and discover new sights along the way. A typical walk will take approximately 60 – 75 minutes, although if you wish to stay longer you are welcome. When you book you can decide your time of entry subject to availability. Many of the paths are wood chipped, which makes wheelchair access tough but not impossible. Welford Park are working towards making the paths hardcore but please keep this in mind when booking for this year’s event. Friendly dogs on leads are welcome. https://www.welfordpark.co.uk/event/spectacle-of-light/
Exhibition of paintings, prints, handbags and ceramics
Last chance to view the meticulous work of painter Michael Norcross in Three at Arlington Arts, Snelsmore, until Thursday, October 31. Free To View Monday to Friday between 10am and 5pm. His paintings and prints draw on a wide range of local subject matter and exhibit a high level of skill. At a glance, the eye could be tricked into believing they are photographs, but on closer examination they reveal a precision which emerges from confident fluent painterly qualities. Also on display are beautifully constructed, bespoke handbags from Victoria Baker. Each design is carefully considered, hand stitched with specially selected linings in suede, also available in a range of exciting colours, which can be chosen to either harmonise or contrast with the exterior leather colour. And Sally Bettridge’s thrown ceramics including domestic ware such as mugs, jugs and bowls, decorated in coloured slips with a contemporary design approach. Pre-booking is necessary by visiting https://arlington-arts.com/three
Dracula
Bram Stoker’s Dracula, has been adapted for the stage by Compton Players’ Pete Watt. The popularity of Stoker’s 1897 horror romance is as eternal as any vampire. Its enduring appeal has seen countless film and stage adaptations, and more than a century after it first appeared in print, Compton Players present this new adaptation to delight and terrify their audience. Their production runs tonight, tomorrow and Saturday, then Thursday to Saturday next week at the village hall. Visit https://www.comptonplayers.co.uk/ to book. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dWn-ABU8xGU
Chiller thriller
On Tuesday you are invited to the edge of your seat, on a journey to the darkest corners of the night… Boxtale Soup presents Casting The Runes at the Corn Exchange at 7.30pm. Expert on the so-called supernatural, Edward Dunning is a scholar and a sceptic. But when he crosses paths with the mysterious Mr Karswell, Dunning's life becomes a waking nightmare. A chilling new adaptation of MR.James' classic ghost stories featuring remarkable puppetry and a haunting original soundtrack. Our advice? Don't go alone... https://cornexchangenew.com
