Details

When you're newly carved from a piece of wood, the last thing you want to do in sweep up and go to school. You want to have fun, like other boys. So begin The Adventures of Pinocchio, the tale of the wooden boy who longs to be good, but just can't help tumbling nose first into trouble. Guided by the Blue Fairy, Pinocchio has lots to learn before he can discover the secret to becoming a real boy. He is tricked by the sly fox and clever cat, has his lying nose pecked by woodpeckers, is captured in the Big Green Fisherman's net and is wickedly turned into a performing donkey! Enter a fairytale world full of colourful characters, and join Pinocchio on his quest to become a real boy. Guided by the Blue Fairy and chirruping Cricket, Pinocchio still can’t help tumbling nose first into trouble: he’s tricked by the sly Fox and clever Cat, his lying nose is pecked by woodpeckers, he’s captured in the Big Green Fisherman’s net and is even turned into a performing donkey. Spellbinding music, memorable songs and a magical set shape this fantastical production, which captures all the inventiveness and charm of the original creation. Bringing this irresistible story to life is most of the original cast and creative team. Including the mezzo-soprano Victoria Simmonds (Dorabella, Così fan tutte 2009/10), as Pinocchio, soprano Mary Plazas, singing The Blue Fairy and the renowned baritone, Jonathan Summers, as Geppetto, Pinocchio's Father. Sung in English. Running time: approx. 2hrs 45mins. Age 7+

Cast/Performers

Victoria Simmonds (Pinocchio), Katrina Lucas (Pinocchio), Mary Plazas (The Blue Fairy), Jonathan Summers (Geppetto), Rebecca Bottone (Cricket / Parrot), Graeme Broadbent (Puppeteer / Ape-Judge / Ringmaster / Big Green Fisherman / Farmer), Stephen Richardson (Puppeteer / Ape-Judge / Ringmaster / Big Green Fisherman / Farmer), Nicky Spence (Lampwick / Arlecchion), Mark Wilde (Cat), James Laing (Fox / Coachman), Carole Wilson (Pigeon / Snail)

Creatives/Company

Music: Jonathan Dove
Adapted by: Alasdair Middleton
Company(s): Opera North, Chemnitz Opera
Conductor: David Parry
Director: Martin Duncan
Design: Francis O'Connor
Costume: Francis O'Connor
Choreographer: Nick Winston
Lighting: Davy Dunningham