Welcome to Opera UK

Opera UK is a vibrant new company. Our intentions are, in many ways, similiar to those of the Prospect Theatre Company in the 1970s. Toby Robertson OBE, Prospect's Artistic Director and international Opera Director, is one of our patrons. Like Prospect we mount first-rate productions, making them accessible to all audiences and taking them to places often starved of opera.

Just as Prospect gave a chance to Sir Ian McKellen, Dame Eileen Atkins, Sir Derek Jacobi and many others, with their first big break in a leading role, we shall do the same with our singers. Those leading roles set those actors off on their distinguished careers and now they are supporting Opera UK as we create a new "Prospect" for the opera world.

Again, like Prospect, we constantly search for new talent and give our singers their first opportunity to take on leading roles.

Finally we will put the "theatre" back into opera by concentrating on appropriate casting and acting, as well as the music. Already several of our singers have been taken up by the major opera houses.

So all of us who work at Opera UK believe it will have a great future and are grateful for the encouragement we have received from so may members of the profession, as we embark on this exciting enterprise.

John Mullis
Director and Founder
Opera UK

We are very encouraged by the support of our patrons and friends

Toby Robertson OBE:

"I am more than delighted to support the work of Opera UK. As Director of the Prospect Theatre Company for many years I know how vital it is to nurture the talent of those with obvious gifts and to give them their first chance in a leading role. There is also nothing more exiting than working with a new and dynamic ensemble."

 

Sir Ian McKellen

"The period between a singer, or indeed any performer, finishing initial, formal training and being established, is a crucial one. I benefited hugely from the opportunities I was given by the Prospect Theatre Company, with whom I toured in large classic roles for the first time as a young actor. I've no doubt that the aims of Opera UK, to encourage young musicians in a similar way, would not only benefit the individuals concerned but the music life of the nation."

 


Sir Derek Jacobi

"I am delighted to support Opera UK in any way I can. The whole concept is very exciting and its adaptability is a great advantage. I wish you every possible success!"