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NEW PRODUCTION - Colin Davis conducts Humperdinck’s sumptuous score in a new production, with two exceptional casts both offering a delightful family treat for Christmas.

Is that the wind whispering or a wicked witch planning to fatten you up and eat you? Find out with Hansel and Gretel in this funny-scary-touching opera – perfect family fare from The Royal Opera for everyone at holiday time. In this famous fairytale, two children become lost in a forest and are captured by a witch whose gingerbread house proves too much of a temptation. In an explosive climax the defeated witch gets a taste of her own culinary methods, and there is a rousing happy ending as parents and children are happily and safely reunited.

This brand new production by regular favourites Patrice Caurier and Moshe Leiser has their characteristic wit, a dash of deliciously black comedy. There is also visual and musical beauty from the Sandman, Dew Fairy and a host of protective angels to brighten anything lurking in the darker corners. With Humperdinck’s tuneful score and this is as musically memorable and visually delightful as opera gets.

BBC 2 (TV)- Hänsel und Gretel on Thursday 25 December at 3pm 

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