JULIANA HALL

A World Turned Upside Down:
The Diary of Anne Frank

Anne Frank’s story: hope shines through darkness.

13th, 15th, 16th, 17th August 2025

Waterperry Ballroom

Juliana Hall’s powerful music brings Anne Frank’s words to life, retelling the enduring spirit of youth amid history’s darkest chapter. Experience Anne’s hopes, fears and resilience whilst in hiding, staged in the intimacy of the Waterperry Ballroom.

Written over two years from a secret annex above her father’s office in Amsterdam, The Diary of Anne Frank uncovers the reality of living in constant fear of discovery. Anne shares her thoughts on the tensions of confinement with her family, and how her own isolation leads to a deeper understanding of herself and the world. With dreams of becoming a writer, explore her courageous and deeply emotive account of looking for a future in the outside world. 

We are grateful for the support of the Anne Frank Fonds for this production.

Credits

Music by Juliana Hall.

From THE DIARY OF A YOUNG GIRL (The Definitive Edition), edited by Otto H. Frank and Mirjam Pressler, translated by Susan Massotty; Anchor Books, A Division of Random House, Inc., New York; Copyright © 1991 by The Anne Frank-Fonds, Basel, Switzerland. Text used by permission of The Anne Frank-Fonds, Basel, Switzerland.

Produced in partnership with Anne Frank Fonds.

Production Support

Production supported by Malcolm Herring

Timings

Performance starts at 4:30pm. Approx finish 5:00pm

Tickets

Tickets start at £27, with a small booking fee.
Under 35s Tickets at £20, Under 16s Tickets at £10, Benefit Holder/HNS Blue Light Tickets at £20.

General Booking opens on the 8th April.

Age Guidance 13+

Contains disturbing adult themes.

Creative Team

  • Ashley Beauchamp

    MUSIC DIRECTOR

  • Talia Stern

    DIRECTOR

The Music

Juliana Hall’s A World Turned Upside Down sets Anne Frank’s words to music with clarity and emotional depth. The vocal writing is direct and expressive, shifting from quiet reflection to moments of urgency and intensity. The piano accompaniment is equally evocative, moving between delicate, searching phrases and stark, powerful chords that heighten the emotional impact. Hall’s music captures Anne’s resilience and hope, balancing lyrical beauty with an underlying tension. This is a work of subtlety and strength, allowing Anne’s voice to shine through in a deeply personal way.

If you’re new to A World Turned Upside Down, explore our Spotify playlist and experience its most poignant moments.

FAQs

  • This opera lasts approximately 30 minutes with no interval.

  • This intimate opera is based on the writings of Anne Frank, reflecting on her thoughts and experiences during World War II.

  • While the opera is deeply moving and educational, its themes of war and persecution may be more suitable for older children and adults.

  • The performance will take place in the Ballroom at Waterperry Gardens.

  • The Ballroom is wheelchair accessible via a lift, making it fully accessible for all audience members.