An ancient feud, two powers at war, a surprise arrival - how will Dido’s story end?
Carthage is divided between the powerful Queen Dido and her nemesis the Sorceress, two women whose fates mirror each other and whose rivalry may destroy everything. In this immersive retelling of Henry Purcell’s classic opera, All Aboard Opera! puts the fate of Dido, and her fateful love for the wanderer Aeneas, in the hands of the audience. The audience will decide whether to support Dido and her glorious empire, or the Sorceress and her magical illusions. They then choose how the story progresses, voting at the end of each scene to manipulate the story’s ending.
As we present these familiar characters in a brand new light, we welcome you to witness how a single choice can change the fates of many. Torn between tradition and upheaval, love and despair, reality and magic - what will you choose?
All Aboard Opera!’s debut production invites the audience on an immersive journey through a beloved opera; with our all-female cast we will examine the expectations and burdens on women in power, and explore how easily a bitter rivalry can be manipulated into a sudden downfall. Directed by Katie Blackwell and conducted by Benedict Collins-Rice, our stellar cast features Freya Jacklin-Edward (Dido), Olivia Bell (Belinda), Megan Strachan (First Woman / First Witch), among others. Dido is produced by Emily Sloan and All Aboard Opera!