Most recent performance
There are currently no scheduled performances of The Monstrous Child. It was last on stage 21 February—3 March 2019 as part of the Winter 2018/19 season.
The Story
Hel is the daughter of Norse god Loki and the giantess Angrboda. She’d be an ordinary teenager if it wasn’t for the fact that she’s half girl and half corpse. A prophecy predicts that Hel’s brothers are fated to bring forth the end of days, and in an attempt to prevent this the Gods kidnap all three of Loki’s monstrous children and take them to Asgard. Here, Hel becomes infatuated with Baldr, son of Odin (the king of the Gods).
Read more… (Contains spoilers)
Background
The Monstrous Child is the first opera by Gavin Higgins, a young British composer with a reputation for boldly imaginative music. The text is adapted by bestselling author Francesca Simon from her own darkly humorous novel. Puppetry and the inspiration of the Norse landscape contribute to this theatrical spectacle about one teenager trying to find her place in the world.
News and features
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Your Reaction: What did you think of The Royal Opera's The Monstrous Child?
25 February 2019
Audience and press reviews of Francesca Simon and Gavin Higgins' debut opera.