The Barber Of Seville

Libretto Cesare Sterbini
English Translation Richard Studer
Director Richard Studer
Conductor Jonathan Lyness

Cast:
Figaro Philip Smith
Rosina Rebecca Afonwy-Jones
Almaviva William Wallace
Dr Bartolo Nicholas Folwell
Don Basilio Julian Close
Berta Jana Holesworth
Fiorello Mark Saberton

Opera Project are back at Tobacco Factory Theatres this autumn with Rossini’s exuberant treatment of Beaumarchais’s The Barber of Seville, the prequel to The Marriage of Figaro.

We’ve pulled together a handy guide to the story of The Barber of Seville and some FAQs if you’re new to opera.

This great masterpiece of operatic comedy catapults the audience into the romance of Rosina and the Count Almaviva, a romance ably assisted by the Count’s factotum, Figaro. In a plot bordering on the farcical, Dr Bartolo’s own plans to marry Rosina, his ward of court, are thwarted at every step. If The Marriage of Figaro follows a loveless marriage, illicit assignations and the general difficulties of adulthood, The Barber of Seville is an explosion of youth, optimism and wit where love conquers the ever–encroaching cynicism of age.

Opera Project presents this fabulous Rossini classic for the first time at Tobacco Factory Theatres in its acclaimed English translation by the director Richard Studer. The company have assembled an outstanding cast, including British baritone Philip Smith as Figaro (making his debut with Opera Project), brilliant Welsh mezzo soprano Rebecca Afonwy-Jones as the indomitable Rosina, and William Wallace (Ottavio in Don Giovanni, 2016) as Rosina’s dashing young lover, the Count Almaviva. And in a comic star turn, we are thrilled to welcome back Nicholas Folwell (Scarpia in Tosca, 2017) as Rosina’s ward, the extraordinary Dr Bartolo. With Opera Project’s terrific ten-piece orchestra playing Jonathan Lyness’s arrangement of the score, this promises to be an irresistible evening in the theatre.

If you’re not familiar with the story of The Barber of Seville, let us help you out with our handy summary!

First time at the opera? Take a look at our beginner’s guide!

is proud to support Tobacco Factory Theatres as it stages its May – Dec 19 season