The Barber of Seville at Bord Gáis Energy Theatre

Rossini’s comic masterpiece, The Barber of Seville, featuring Irish mezzo soprano Tara Erraught, comes to Bord Gáis Energy Theatre for three performances only.

Following on from the fantastic 5-star success of Wagner’s Tristan & Isolde (2012) and the acclaimed Nixon in China (2014), the award-winning and visionary Irish opera company Wide Open Opera returns to the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, this time with a newly-created production showcasing major Irish operatic talent.

Rossini’s comic masterpiece tells the story of the young and beautiful Rosina, is held captive by the elderly Dr Bartolo who plans to marry her when she comes of age. Rosina, however, is in love with a mysterious young man, who turns out to be Count Almaviva, who has been serenading her from the street below her balcony. Count Almaviva needs the help of Figaro the barber, in order to break in to Bartolo’s house, setting in train a series of hilarious misunderstandings, improbable disguises and quick-witted double crossing that keep the action fizzing from start to finish.

Directed by Michael Barker-Caven – a three-time winner of Best Opera Production at the Irish Times Theatre Awards – designed by Jamie Vartan – winner of best set design at the 2013 World Stage Design with lighting by celebrated Irish designer Sinéad Wallce, this new production will be one of the largest Irish opera productions of 2016 and the first opera production to be seen at both National Opera House, Wexford and Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, Dublin.

The chorus of Wide Open Opera and the orchestra of Wexford Festival Opera are conducted by WOO Artistic Director Fergus Sheil.