After a month or so of hibernation, the new season is about to kick off…

First up, an amazing opera project from OperaUpClose, premiering tonight in Southampton.

Puccini’s classic comedy Gianni Schicchi has been hilariously reimagined for the present day by PJ Harris and Hannah Kumari. It's been re-orchestrated by Vahan Salorian for an ensemble of 4 musicians and 6 singers - and yes, we’re fully integrated into the on-stage ensemble!

Val’s accordion doubles as a solicitor’s typewriter, Jess Martin evolves from double bassist to doctor, and Steph’s clarinet and my violin are witnesses to some really quite dark shenanigans and skullduggery!

The re-working is inspired by modern TV ‘whodunnits’ such as The White Lotus and Knives Out, which creates a suspenseful atmosphere full of intrigue, in both the staging and the storytelling.

The show has been brilliantly cast, and features Felicity Buckland, John Molloy, Emma Morwood, Aaron O'Hare, Ceferina Penny, with Dan d’Souza in the title role. It’s all wrapped up in a digital spoken word ‘podcast’ where spoken word artist Rhi Baroche asks Gianni some awkward questions...

The show runs for three nights at Mayflower Studios in Southampton (5-7th March), then touring throughout March to Chichester (Minerva Theatre), Cambridge (Arts Theatre), Blackpool (Grand), London (artsdepot), and Plymouth (The Drum).

Come and enjoy the madness! Info and tickets here: https://www.operaupclose.com/giannischicchi