Hugh The Drover (Vaughan Williams)
HASTEN TO THE FAIR!
It’s all happening in Upstairs at the Gatehouse, Highgate Village between November 11 and 20
(transformed into a Cotswold market town in 1810).
John the Butcher is on the eve of marrying Mary, the Constable’s daughter.
She loathes this coarse bully with a taste for violence, but can see no choice but to obey her father.
The hawkers and stallholders pour into the market square for the May Fair, touting their wares to the townsfolk.
Spy fever is raging throughout the community: Napoleon is the bogeyman.
A quiet voice is suddenly heard amidst the noisy hubbub. Hugh the Drover overhears Mary lamenting her fate. The flame of love is lit instantly, but dangers lie ahead. Who will win the girl –
the tough butcher or the romantic pony-man?
Hampstead Garden Opera invites you to follow the lovers in their search for freedom.
A rich feast of music will be provided by Mr Ralph Vaughan Williams,
sung by two all-star casts headed by David de Winter & Zachary Devin as Hugh, Elaine Tate & Philippa Murray as Mary,
and Ed Ballard & David Roberts as John the Butcher,
and played by the Dionysus Ensemble under the direction of Oliver John Ruthven.
Directed by Angela Hardcastle, with Sets and Costumes by Charlie Tymms,
Assistant Director – Isaac Jones,
Lighting Designer – Andrew Ellis,
Stage Manager – Emily Collin
Angela Hardcastle writes: “Hugh the Drover is funny, romantic, touching – and action packed. Set in 1810, with Bonaparte still striding over Europe, this very English of operas has a rumbustious Georgian flavour echoing the century just gone. With its jostling crowd, quick to give - and change - its opinions, and hero and villain bare-knuckle fighting for the girl, Vaughan Williams paints a colourful picture worthy of Rowlandson or Gillray. Add to this a love story beautifully told, of a sheltered, unhappy girl and a handsome traveller who sets her free. Hugh is as charming a piece as you will hear in a month of May Mornings.”
Don’t miss this rare treat: Book soon as HGO performances have a way of selling out, as those who missed The Magic Flute last November and Semele in April will remember ruefully.
* with kind permission and support from the Vaughan Williams Trust, and from Faber Music Ltd.
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Essential information:
Evening performances of Hugh the Drover are on November 11, 12, 16, 17, 18 & 19 at 7.45 pm, matinées on Saturdays 12 & 19 at 2.45 pm and on Sundays 13 & 20 at 4.00 pm.
Tickets – November 11 & 12 matinée £18 (concessions £16): all other performances £20 (concessions £18): All seats unreserved.
Box office (Upstairs at the Gatehouse, Highgate Village, N6 4BD): 020 8340 3488.
Further information contact: . - 07590 567 790
