Opera Comes Alive in Newcastle with ‘Opera Unplugged’ International Conference at Newcastle's Tyne Theatre & Opera House
Opera lovers, scholars, and performers from around the world will gather in Newcastle this September for a landmark international event at the historic Tyne Theatre and Opera House. The venue has announced Opera Unplugged, a three-day conference running from Wednesday 3 to Friday 5 September 2025, promising a rare blend of scholarly insight, artistic exploration, and live demonstration in one of the UK’s most atmospheric Victorian theatres.
Designed to celebrate opera in all its complexity, Opera Unplugged will uncover hidden histories and spotlight the often-overlooked craft and innovation behind the grand performances. From stage machinery and historic lighting to forgotten works and revivals, the event offers a unique backstage pass to the rich world of opera-making.
“This is a rare opportunity to place Newcastle and our magnificent Grade I listed theatre at the heart of international opera dialogue,” says Conference Curator Dr. David Wilmore. “We’re uniting scholars, designers, technicians, and musicians in a truly interdisciplinary celebration of operatic heritage.”
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Photo: Carl Joyce |
Attendees can look forward to an impressive range of presentations and events, including:
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Tommaso Sabbatini on editing a rare 1903 production of Tosca at the Opéra-Comique
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Hannah Scott examining Scottish identity and costume on the Parisian stage
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A dedicated session on Oscar Barrett, with focus on The Corsican Brothers and The Lancashire Lass
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The exclusive unveiling of the Carl Rosa Opera Exhibition, showcasing rarely-seen artefacts and archives
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A keynote from Nicholas Payne, former Director of the Royal Opera House, on opera policy and advocacy
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Insights into the world’s first public opera house, Venice’s Teatro San Cassiano, from Paul Atkin and Jon Greenfield
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A live historic stage lighting demonstration
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A tour of the Tyne Theatre’s historic stage machinery
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Final-day sessions on opera-ballet in Britain, opera prompting, and gender in the German voice tradition
Whether you're a 19th-century theatre historian, a performer intrigued by forgotten techniques, or simply an opera enthusiast, Opera Unplugged offers an unmatched opportunity to engage with the living legacy of operatic performance.
“Opera Unplugged celebrates opera not only as performance, but as craft, as culture, and as collaboration,” the organisers explain, encapsulating the spirit of the event.
With limited delegate places available, early booking is strongly advised. For full details, programme information, and registration, visit:
👉 www.tynetheatreandoperahouse.uk/operaunplugged
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