The Staines Opera Night - Madam Butterfly/Sweeney Todd

Following the success of previous Staines Opera Nights ('Pag and Cav' '24, 'Trav and Tosc' '25) and in partnership with the Parish of St Mary's and Peter's, Staines Opera presents their annual opera night as adaptations of Puccini’s Madam Butterfly in the 1st half, and Sondheim’s Sweeney Todd in the 2nd half of the night.

Staines Opera is a soon-to-be-formed opera company originating from these opera nights, but also existing in tandem with the monthly Staines Opera Recitals which have taken place in St Mary's, Staines, for the past 12 months. In this time, the recitals have evolved to include both opera and musical theatre, and that is why our performance this evening is such a blend.

Our Butterfly MD is Guy Murgatroyd, and our Sweeney MD is Phoebe Chow. To those who have supported before, you will spot Staines Opera regulars, Eva Gheorghiu (Nedda '24, Violetta '25), Alexander Scott (Turridu '24, Alfredo '25), and myself (Tonio '24, Germont '25). We also welcome Michael Craddock, Rosalind O'Dowd, Monica Nash, Joanna Chambers, Owen Winter, Benjamin Carter, Verity Bramson Hay and Zico Shaker, and Leo Kenn who are making their Staines Opera debuts.

These adaptations of these masterpieces involve heavy reductions of the originals and include narration to help make sense of the drama.

The audience front row will be 20ft from the opera singers in the first half, and then we shall move forward for the musical theatre. A camera will be recording in the middle but shall not obscure any notable action. 

There will be a 25 minute interval during which time a bar will be open to buy interval drinks. Proceeds to St Peter’s.

Ticketing is only via this online source. The church venue is a 10 minute walk from Staines Rail, and parking is available by the church hall and around the church itself, but if driving can you please email me at john@hollandavery.com in order to account for extra parking if necessary. Entrance to the church is by the river side (also there is a ramp for wheelchair access, near the road side).

To encourage people from all walks and ages of life, this is a low priced event. The subject matter is certainly adult, but the staging is suggestive rather than explicitly graphic. There are no concessions but if you have queries please email me at the above address. If young people are below 18, they must be accompanied by a ticket-holding adult.

Do stay behind after to talk to all of us, not least to chat to our resident poster designer, Carolyn Carty.

Grazie mille, Giovanni (John)