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The Firework-Maker's Daughter

This tale of courage, friendship and growing up is a theatrical event for all the family. David Bruce’s magical opera is based on a fairytale by Philip Pullman.

Photos

  • Mary Bevan as Lila in The Firework-Maker's Daughter © Robert Workman
  • Mary Bevan as Lila in The Firework-Maker's Daughter © Robert Workman
  • Mary Bevan as Lila in The Firework-Maker's Daughter © Robert Workman
  • Mary Bevan as Lila in The Firework-Maker's Daughter © Robert Workman
  • Mary Bevan as Lila in The Firework-Maker's Daughter © Robert Workman
  • Mary Bevan as Lila in The Firework-Maker's Daughter © Robert Workman
  • James Laing as Hamlet and Andrew Slater as Rambashi in The Firework-Maker's Daughter © Robert Workman
  • James Laing as Hamlet and Mary Bevan as Lila in The Firework-Maker's Daughter © Robert Workman
  • Mary Bevan as Lila in The Firework-Maker's Daughter © Robert Workman
  • Mary Bevan as Lila and Wyn Pencarreg as Lalchand in The Firework-Maker's Daughter © Robert Workman

Introduction

Lila desperately wants to be a firework-maker like her father, but he claims it is no job for a girl. She runs away to learn the trade, meeting pirates, tigers and the terrifying Fire-Fiend on the way.

News and features

Background

This opera by award-winning composer David Bruce and poet Glyn Maxwell is based on an acclaimed children’s novel by Philip Pullman. John Fulljames’s imaginative staging, with puppet designs by Indefinite Articles, follows Lila’s adventures as she undertakes a perilous quest. With the help of a talking elephant, Lila sets out to discover the secret of becoming a firework-maker. Bruce’s score is characterized by infectious energy and spirited humour, offering musical fireworks of its own.

Following performances at the Linbury Studio Theatre, The Firework Maker's Daughter will be at Watford Palace Theatre on 17 and 18 May, before touring to Bury St Edmunds, Buxton, Oxford and Newcastle.

Co-commissioned by The Opera Group and ROH2

Co-produced by The Opera Group and Opera North in association with ROH2 and Watford Palace Theatre.

Thanks to

Generously supported by

Mrs Lily Safra and the Paul Hamlyn Education Fund

How to support the Royal Opera House

Running times

The performance will last about 2 hours, including one interval

Guidance

Suitable for childen aged 8 and upwards.

Language

Sung in English

Credits

ComposerDavid Bruce
LibrettoGlyn Maxwell
DirectorJohn Fulljames
DesignerDick Bird
Puppetry designSteve Tiplady
Puppetry designSally Todd
Lighting DesignerGuy Hoare

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