THE BUTTERFLY HOUSE
Thurs 18 July 2024 to Saturday 27th July 2024
“On the day I am no longer in love you can hold my funeral”
“Almighty God touched me with his little finger and said, write for the theatre… I have obeyed the supreme command!”
Clonter has commissioned a new play, to celebrate our 50th anniversary, about the life of Giacomo Puccini, with music from six of his best loved operas: Tosca, Madame Butterfly, La Bohème, La Rondine, Gianni Schicchi and Turandot, including the famous arias, Nessun dorma and O mio babbino caro, as featured in the film A Room with a View.
This show offers the perfect introduction for newcomers and opera lovers alike. Recommended 13+
This new drama will take you on a fast-paced roller-coaster journey through Puccini’s life, with his unashamedly romantic and dramatic music, reflecting the emotions he both experienced and provoked.
Puccini famously said of himself:
“On the day I am no longer in love you can hold my funeral”
“Almighty God touched me with his little finger and said, write for the theatre… I have obeyed the supreme command!”
All the arias and duets will be sung in Italian with English surtitles and all dialogue spoken in English, with piano accompaniment and percussion.
The Company
Geoffrey Dolton – Director, Older Puccini, Narrator
Emilie Cavallo – Elvira Puccini, Puccini’s Wife
Olivia Carrell – Sybil Seligman, Society Hostess
John Ieuan Jones – Giulio Ricordi, Publisher
Konstantinos Arkitidis – Puccini, Composer
Philip Sunderland – Music Director
Associate Director – Steve Elias
Jessica Staton – Set & Costume Designer
Steven Benson –Lighting Designer
Trigger Warning
This production includes references to suicide and infidelity, with a scene of physical violence and death (scenes from Tosca).
This production will also contain flashing lights.
Recommended for ages 13+
Performances
Thurs 18 July (Matinee) – Public Dress Rehearsal (Director’s Talk)
Never been to an opera before? Why not come to the public dress rehearsal of The Butterfly House, which includes a 20-minute pre-performance talk.
Tickets £25, FREE for 26-year-olds and under (ID may be required)
Doors Open 2pm
Director’s Talk 2.30pm
Performance Starts 3pm
Interval 30 minutes*.
Sat 20 July – Opening Night – (Director’s Talk & Filmed)
Tickets £35, £45, £50, £55, FREE for 26-year-olds and under (ID may be required)
Early Bird Ticket (10% Discount) Available until 31 March
Group Discount (10% Discount) 10+
U3A Discount (10% Discount) – Redeemable by phone only
Doors Open 6pm
Director’s Talk 6.30pm
Performance Starts 7pm
Interval 70 minute supper interval*
Sun 21 July (Matinee)
Tickets £35, £45, £50, £55, FREE for 26-year-olds and under (ID may be required)
Early Bird Ticket (10% Discount) Available until 31 March
Group Discount (10% Discount) 10+
U3A Discount (10% Discount) – Redeemable by phone only
Doors Open 2pm
Performance Starts 3pm
Interval 30 minutes*
Tues 23 July (Director’s Talk)
Tickets £25, £35, £40, £45, FREE for 26-year-olds and under (ID may be required)
Early Bird Ticket (10% Discount) Available until 31 March
Group Discount (10% Discount) 10+
U3A Discount (10% Discount) – Redeemable by phone only
Doors Open 6.30pm
Director’s Talk 7.00pm
Performance Starts 7.30pm
Interval 30 minutes*
Thurs 25 July
Tickets £35, £45, £50, £55, FREE for 26-year-olds and under (ID may be required)
Early Bird Ticket (10% Discount) Available until 31 March
Group Discount (10% Discount) 10+
U3A Discount (10% Discount) – Redeemable by phone only
Doors Open 6pm
Performance Starts 7pm
Interval 70 minutes supper interval*
Sat 27 July
Tickets £45, £55, £60, £65, FREE for 26-year-olds and under (ID may be required)
Early Bird Ticket (10% Discount) Available until 31 March
Group Discount (10% Discount) 10+
U3A Discount (10% Discount) – Redeemable by phone only
Doors Open 6pm
Performance Starts 7pm
Interval 70 minutes supper interval*
TICKETS ARE FREE for anyone under the age of 26, NHS staff, those who use food banks, home educating families, refugees and Max Card holders. Group booking discount available for all performances except Dress Rehearsal. School group bookings accepted for Thurs 18th & Tues 23rd July. Recommended for ages 14+.
Priority Booking for Patrons Fri 1 Mar
Priority Booking for Friends Fri 8 Mar
General Sale Fri 15 Mar
Drink Arrangements – Please note that any drink consumed inside the premises must be purchased from the bar. For Friends and Patrons of Clonter who wish to bring their own drink, a corkage fee of £4 per person will apply (payable in advance on 01260 224514). The pre-ordered drinks facility closes at 4pm on three days before the Performance.
Dining Options
*70 Minute Supper Interval Performances – Pre-order supper (Menus to follow shortly) or bring your own picnic;.
*30 Minute Interval – Pre-Performance Pizza & Prosecco available, or bring your own pre-performance (indoor, or outdoor weather permitting) picnic.
**30 Minute Interval – Pre & post performance tea available.