Fever Pitch the Opera
Photo credit: Claudia Marinaro & Patricia Woodward for Highbury Opera Theatre
"A big-hearted piece of music-theatre whose American-flavoured score manages to hold both children and adults, professional and amateur performers within its generous compass. Will Fever Pitch have a life beyond its own community? It certainly deserves one."
(Alexandra Coghlan, The Independent)
"Projects like these create the future of opera.
(Maggie, Kelly, Theatre Bubble)
Production dates:
22-24th September 2017, The Union Chapel
Composer and Conductor Scott Stroman
Librettist Tamsin Collison
Director Bernie C. Byrnes
Assistant Music Director Sarah Wilkinson
Orchestral Leader Lucy Waterhouse
Youth Director Rachel Maby
Choreographer Laura Doye
Producer Greg Klerkx
General Manager Helen Smee
Stage Designer Becky Athawes
Set & Props Construction Patrick Anwyl
Stage Manager David Harvey
Graphics & Programme Pat Woodward
Public Relations Mobius Industries
Cast
Gooner Robin Bailey
Girl / Psychiatrist Joanna Harries
Dad/SuperMac/Agent Robert Gildon
Rat Nick Allen
Young Gooner (Red Cast) Alessandro Tarsia
Young Gooner (White Cast) Felix Hale
Young Gooner (cover) Gideon Rochman
Teen Gooner Philip Protheroe
Teen Rat Matthew Denton
Teen Frog Samuel Sako
Commentator Tim Maby
Mrs Peters Diana Leadbetter
Referee Alex Pitts
Big Head Supermac Jari Ripa
Fever Pitch the opera is composed by HOT Artistic Director, Scott Stroman, with libretto by Tamsin Collison. It is based on the autobiographical novel by local Islington writer, Nick Hornby, which is about his love of Arsenal football team from childhood to adulthood.
The production received national acclaim in the press, featuring on BBC Breakfast, ITV, Radio 4 and Sunday Times. It received rave reviews in the Independent and online publications, Theatre Bubble and EverythingTheatre.com
The show reflected the diversity of our community and brought together a cast of 4 professional opera soloists and 57 local singers in our adult and youth chorus.
The production was supported by Arts Council England, PRS for Music Foundation and the Nicholas Berwin Charitable Trust. The Arsenal Foundation and Islington Council also generously supported our schools concert and the delivery of opera workshops in local Islington schools.
