Reply to comment

We applaud Ben Cooper and Adam Spreadbury-Maher for their ambitious project of turning The Kings Head into a little opera house, and should like to take this opportunity to offer a few words of wisdom based on 10 years of presenting about 20 operas at the even smaller Rosemary Branch in Shepperton Road. Pub opera can be a delight, the small space inspires a new focus to the story telling and those big voices can be absolutely thrilling, but to be more than a one hit wonder the standards of the production, direction and musicianship must be of top quality If there is not much money in the budget, make sure everyone concerned knows what the deal is so that no one feels they are exploited. The occasional free drink and plate of food to the cast and crew do not go amiss, neither does verbal appreciation from the management as well as the general public. A well tuned grand piano shows respect.

In case anyone is interested, we are currently looking forward to Minotaur Music Theatre's triple bill of 20th century short operas from Oct 7-10, and Charles Court Opera's specially written panto, Robin Hood, at the Rosemary Branch from Dec.10th- Jan 9th

Cecilia Darker
Rosemary Branch Theatre