VIOLET

In a muddied nightdress, in a country kitchen, Violet finally smiles. For years, her tired daily routine has been dictated by the inescapable chime of the Clock Tower, until one night she feels time quicken. Suddenly an hour is lost – every day. As the hours disappear, long-held certainties evaporate and ordered society falls into disarray. With the townspeople in crisis, can Violet finally escape?

Combining the acclaimed talents of writer Alice Birch (TV adaptations include Normal People; film Lady Macbeth; stage Anatomy of a Suicide) and rising star composer Tom Coult (commissioned by First Night of the Proms; currently resident composer at the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra), this is opera for now and about now.

Please note, this event contains strong language and is recommended for audiences aged 12+.

Tom Coult / Alice Birch  Violet (world premiere)

Tom Coult  composer
Alice Birch  libretto

Anna Dennis  Violet
Richard Burkhard  Felix
Frances Gregory  Laura
Andrew McKenzie-Wicks  The Clockkeeper

Jude Christian  director
Rosie Elnile  set designer
Cécile Trémolières  costume designer
Jackie Shemesh  lighting designer
Adam Sinclair  animation
Marty Moore  production manager
Jasmin Kent Rodgman  bell sounds

Andrew Gourlay conductor
London Sinfonietta

Violet is a co-commission and co-production by Music Theatre Wales and Britten Pears Arts, presented in association with the London Sinfonietta
The London performance is co-produced and presented by The Royal Opera in association with Hackney Empire