Wedmore Opera - opera in Somerset UK

History of Wedmore Opera

The company started in 1988 from a chance remark: “Why don’t we do something with a bit of music in it?” The result was La traviata, presented for two nights in Wedmore Village Hall, with all seats sold the first day the box office opened.

“ The audience remained captivated until the final curtain.”
Cheddar Valley Gazette, July 1988.

After five sell-out productions in the hall, the decision was taken to move to much larger premises: the theatre tent in the Glebe Field and Bizet’s Carmen.
And still it sold out.

“ Opera in a field captures the atmosphere of grand international productions.”
Weston Mercury, July 1994.

Aida in 1996, a second Traviata to celebrate our 10th anniversary in 1998… What next? Could we write our own? No, but with the help of a Millennium Arts Lottery award we commissioned a new opera – Jago - from international composer and librettist Mike and Kate Westbrook.

“ Wedmore Opera’s MD Carolyn Doorbar holds it all together with a firm hand. If you think that music in a field somewhere near Wells can mean only a pop festival, think again. Think Wedmore Opera.”
The Times, July 2000
“ Charlotte Cridlan’s brilliant set and costume design were accentuated by superb painterly tableaux from director Marylin Johnstone.”
The Independent, July 2000.

After the brilliant success of Tosca in St Mary’s Church in 2002, Wedmore Opera presented a brand new production of The Pearl Fishers in July 2004. See photos....

Combining experienced amateurs with the rising stars of professional opera, Wedmore Opera has performed works from the 17th to the 19th Century, including La Traviata, Carmen, Aida, Jago, Tosca and The Pearl Fishers to audiences of 600 - 800 a night.



		History of Wedmore Opera The company started in 1988 from a chance remark: “Why don’t we do something with a bit of music in it?” The result was La traviata, presented for two nights in Wedmore Village Hall, with all seats sold the first day the box office opened. “ The audience remained captivated until the final curtain.” Cheddar Valley Gazette, July 1988. After five sell-out productions in the hall, the decision was taken to move to much larger premises: the theatre tent in the Glebe Field and Bizet’s Carmen. And still it sold out. “ Opera in a field captures the atmosphere of grand international productions.” Weston Mercury, July 1994. Aida in 1996, a second Traviata to celebrate our 10th anniversary in 1998… What next? Could we write our own? No, but with the help of a Millennium Arts Lottery award we commissioned a new opera – Jago - from international composer and librettist Mike and Kate Westbrook. “ Wedmore Opera’s MD Carolyn Doorbar holds it all together with a firm hand. If you think that music in a field somewhere near Wells can mean only a pop festival, think again. Think Wedmore Opera.” The Times, July 2000 “ Charlotte Cridlan’s brilliant set and costume design were accentuated by superb painterly tableaux from director Marylin Johnstone.” The Independent, July 2000. After the brilliant success of Tosca in St Mary’s Church in 2002, Wedmore Opera presented a brand new production of The Pearl Fishers in July 2004. See photos.... Combining experienced amateurs with the rising stars of professional opera, Wedmore Opera has performed works from the 17th to the 19th Century, including La Traviata, Carmen, Aida, Jago, Tosca and The Pearl Fishers to audiences of 600 - 800 a night.