Longborough Festival Opera
Longborough
Arts & Culture Experience
The Longborough Festival Opera is an ambitious festival, which takes place each summer amongst the rolling hills of the beautiful Cotswold countryside. Created by Martin and Lizzie Graham back in 1991 on the grounds of their home, today it is a well-established opera company. From a beginning with audiences sitting on hay bales, the Graham’s converted a barn to become the opera house. It is very much a family affair as their daughter Polly Graham, an acclaimed opera director, has been working as Artistic Director since 2018.
The annual summer season takes place within a 500-seat purpose-built opera house, managed by a small but passionate team. Past productions from this internationally recognised opera include Carmen, Cosi fan tutte, Das Rheingold, Madama Butterfly and The Magic Flute. This unique festival also hosts an emerging artist programme. Artists at the start of their careers have the opportunity to perform with a world-class opera company. Book to see one of these performances to get the first view of up and coming new artists.
Longborough Festival Opera is on the outskirts of the Cotswold village of Longborough. It is easily accessible from both Stow-on-the-Wold and Moreton-in-Marsh. Each performance includes a 90-minute dining interval where you can dine in the festival restaurant. For a more casual experience bring your own picnic or pre-order a hamper complete with cutlery, plates, napkins and glassware. It is possible to reserve a table under the picnic marquee, so the weather doesn’t spoil the meal. There are two bars within the theatre which open 90 minutes before all performances. Take the time to gaze at the beautiful views. Choose from a glass of champagne or Pimm’s, or perhaps tea and cake.
Whether you are a long-standing opera fan or about to embark on your first operatic performance, Longborough Festival Opera is a memorable experience in the heart of the Cotswolds.
