Offenbach’s Orpheus in the Underworld scandalised and delighted 19th century Paris – no one was safe and nothing was sacred as Offenbach cut a gleeful swathe through political, musical and moral peccadilloes with a dazzlingly tuneful score that embraced both the Can-Can and the Marseillaise. Offenbach, dubbed by Rossini the Mozart of the Champs Elysées, pokes hilarious fun at po-faced classical opera in general and Gluck in particular as Orpheus is dragged to Hell to rescue an unwilling wife, accompanied by the Gods, in search of Bacchanalian joy.  

“National treasure” (BBC Music Magazine) Simon Butteriss adapts and directs what promises to be an outrageously joyous version of Offenbach’s comic masterpiece.

Conductor Michael Waldron 
Director Simon Butteriss
Associate Designer Elliott Squire
Lighting Designer Luca Panetta

With the Bristol Ensemble

Cast

ORPHEUS Joseph Doody

EURIDICE Harriet Eyley

PUBLIC OPINION/JUNO Gráinne Gillis

STYX/MARS/BACCHUS Matthew Siveter

PLUTO Robin Bailey

JUPITER Simon Butteriss

MERCURY Sam Marston

CUPID Susie Buckle

DIANA Katey Rylands