2025 Summer Festival
Don Giovanni
WOLFGANG AMADEUS MOZART
9, 10, 13, 15, 16 August 2025
Conductor Charlotte Politi
Director John Wilkie
Designer Ceci Calf
Lighting Designer Jake Wiltshire
A classic Mozart masterpiece blending outrageous comedy with intense drama. Following the legendary Don Juan, watch this tale of seduction and deceit staged right in front of Waterperry House. An exhilarating range of emotions are captured through Mozart’s extraordinary musical ability to convey every character’s mood all at once.
Semele
GEORGE FRIDERIC HANDEL
8, 12, 14 August 2025
Conductor Bertie Baigent
Director Rebecca Meltzer
Designer Jennifer Gregory
Lighting Designer Catja Hamilton
Follow a story of love, ambition and mythology in Handel’s Semele, staged in the intimacy of the Waterperry Amphitheatre. Set in both the mortal and divine realms, this Baroque opera-oratorio tells the story of a mortal woman Semele who, seduced by Jupiter, aspires to immortality.
Last Night at the Opera
17 August 2025
Conductor Bertie Baigent
Join us for an unforgettable night of opera at Waterperry House and Gardens as we end our 2025 Festival with a celebration of some of the greatest opera classics. Experience an evening of much-loved songs, exceptional performances, and joyous melodies that bring the magic of opera to life.
A World Turned Upside Down - The Diary of Anne Frank
JULIANA HALL
13, 15, 16, 17 August 2025
Music Director Ashley Beauchamp
Director Talia Stern
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. We are grateful for the support of the Anne Frank Fonds for this production.
Winnie-the-Pooh’s Songbook
HAROLD FRASER-SIMSON
9, 10, 16, 17 August 2025
Director & Musical Director Joe Cummings
A charming production which brings to life the eternal values of friendship and kindness for audiences young and old, Winnie-the-Pooh’s Songbook brings exciting adventures for the whole family to enjoy. Experience a child-like timelessness through this endearing tale, within the perfect summer setting of the Waterperry Amphitheatre.
Serenades: Gran Partita
WOLFGANG AMADEUS MOZART
9, 10, 16 August 2025
Conductor Bertie Baigent
Experience Mozart's joyful wind serenades soaring in the summer’s air. Bring a picnic, relax on the lawn, and let glorious melodies wash over you in Waterperry’s beautiful Garden Glade.
Other Free Festival Performances & Events:
Young Artist Gala
12, 14 August 2025
Come and see the opera stars of tomorrow in our Young Artist Gala. This event, set in the beautiful Waterperry Ballroom, will feature opera scenes and arias sung and directed by our 2025 Young Artist cohort. Join us in this intimate, informal showcase to celebrate the culmination of their work on the programme.
Come and Sing
9, 10 August 2025
Now it's your turn! Whether you are totally new to opera or have been singing all your life, come and join us in the beautiful Waterperry Ballroom to sing some of opera's most-loved choruses with WOF Head of Music, Ashley Beauchamp. We'll also be joined by some of the stars of our main-stage shows. You don't need to be able to read music, just come as you are!
Family Workshops
9, 10, 16, 17 August 2025
Dive into a world of imagination with our Winnie the Pooh-themed children's workshops in the orangery! Perfect for little ones, these fun-filled sessions feature arts and crafts inspired by the Hundred Acre Wood, sparking imagination and creating cherished moments of creativity.
Booking Dates
