Opera North’s bitesize version of Mozart’s The Magic Flute returns to festivals and arts venues across the North this summer offering a fairy tale opera for all the family.

Mini Magic Flute packs fun, fantasy and enchanting music into a 40-minute story, making it perfect for all ages to experience their first taste of opera. A prince is in search of a princess, but will they ever find each other? What adventures lie in wait for them along the way? Led by a trio of singers and an accordionist, this interactive retelling of Mozart’s magical adventure features a host of fantastical characters, from a bird-catcher to a dragon, who encourage young audience members to assist them on their quest.

The mini opera returns to the stage following its success at the 2018 CBBC Summer Social, after which it toured alongside Opera North’s full production of The Magic Flute the following year. For this revival, original writer and director John Savournin has worked with Rosie Kat and Bek Palmer to adapt the show for the company’s Little Listeners programme of family-friendly concerts, with performances across Yorkshire and the North West, including in Leeds, Doncaster, Ripon, York, Malton, Otley, Chester, Manchester, Barrow-in-Furness and Bradford.

Before each performance, youngsters are invited to take part in a craft session alongside their parents and carers where they will be helped to make a paper bird. These will then be used as part of the story and can be taken home afterwards as a momento of the event.

Jacqui Cameron, Opera North Director of Learning & Engagement, said: “The Magic Flute’s creative and imaginative story with its exciting blend of magic and adventure offers a lot for children to enjoy and appreciate, so we were keen to present an interactive version for a younger audience.

“As a Company, it is important to us that children experience opera at a young age as the exposure could be the spark that leads to a life-long love for the art form. Young people are always amazed to hear an opera singer’s voice close-up and really respond to opera’s unique combination of music and drama.”

Mini Magic Flute will also be performed at Opera North’s partner schools and universities in Yorkshire. Tickets are available online with prices starting at just £5.

Little Listeners: Mini Magic Flute Performance Diary

CLOTHWORKERS CENTENARY CONCERT HALL, UNIVERSITY OF LEEDS
Sat 27 June 11.00am
Sat 27 June 1.30pm

CAST, DONCASTER
Sun 28 June 11.00am
Sun 28 June 1.00pm

RIPON THEATRE FESTIVAL
Fri 10 July 5.00pm

HOWARD ASSEMBLY ROOM, LEEDS
Sat 11 July 11.00am

NATIONAL CENTRE FOR EARLY MUSIC, YORK
Sun 12 July 1.30pm
Sun 12 Juy 3.30pm

RYEDALE FESTIVAL
Sat 18 Jul3.00pm

OTLEY COURTHOUSE
Sun 19 Jul2.30pm

LAKE DISTRICT MUSIC FESTIVAL
Fri 31 Jul11.00am
Fri 31 Jul1.30pm
Fri 31 Jul3.30pm

DARLEY STREET MARKET, BRADFORD
Sun 2 Aug10.00am
Sun 2 Aug