A magical opera is coming to a York venue.
The English Touring Opera is bringing The Vanishing Forest to Acomb Library.
The family-friendly performance, set in Shakespeare’s Forest of Arden and picking up after the events of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, is about fairy Puck, as well as Cassie and Mylas (the children of Duke Theseus and Queen Hippolyta) teaming up to save the forest from deforestation, which is causing the land’s magic to fade away.
The opera mixes Shakespearean characters with songs, puppetry, and an environmental message.
This is the third and final instalment in the English Touring Opera’s climate change trilogy.
The family-friendly performance is aimed at children aged seven to 11 (Image: Julian Guidera)
The first two instalments were The Wish Gatherer, which won Best Opera at the YAMAwards 2024, and The Great Stink.
The Vanishing Forest is written by Jonathan Ainscough, composed by Michael Betteridge, and directed by Victoria Briggs.
It is aimed at children aged seven to 11, and designed to make opera accessible, fun, and absorbing for younger audiences.
The organisers said: “Whether you’re a Shakespeare buff or completely new to the world of opera, this show is a wonderful way to introduce children to the magic of storytelling through music.”
The Vanishing Forest will be performed at Acomb Library on Sunday, March 2, at 11am.
Tickets are £4.50 and can be booked at Ticket Tailor.
A spokesperson added: “Explore York Libraries and Archives is committed to making the arts accessible to all, so if the ticket price is a barrier, don’t worry.
“Free places are available—just pop into your local library or email acomb@exploreyork.org.uk to find out more.”
