BP Big Screens are back this summer with three productions screened live and for free from the Royal Opera House stage to 21 locations nationwide. High House Production Park in Purfleet will participate on Friday 3 July with a live screening of Mozart’s Don Giovanni.
With exclusive backstage footage, competitions and a chance to enjoy the great British outdoors, the screenings continue to be a part of the summer social calendar with over 47,000 people attending a BP Big Screen in 2014.
The partnership between BP and the Royal Opera House has been in place for 26 years. However, it was the success of the original Big Screen in 1987 – in the Covent Garden Piazza – which led to the concept being rolled out across the UK. This year locations range from Aberdeen to Portsmouth.
THE ROYAL OPERA
DON GIOVANNI | FRIDAY 3 JULY AT 7.00PM
New for the 2013/14 Season was Director of Opera Kasper Holten’s production of Mozart’s masterpiece Don Giovanni. Focusing on the power of the creative imagination, the acclaimed production is back again and will star the enigmatic Christopher Maltman in the title role.
Don Giovanni is an impulsive character who travels through Europe seducing women. This carefree life takes a turn when he commits a murder. Continuing to seduce women with his usual rapacity, Don Giovanni is haunted by the ghost of the murdered man and decides to invite him to dinner.
The entrancing world of Mozart’s colourful comedy and exhilarating drama is set against a backdrop of visual splendour with critically acclaimed set design by Es Devlin and video projections by Luke Hall.
Alex Beard, Chief Executive of the Royal Opera House, said: “From Bradford to Portsmouth the BP Big Screens are a brilliant way to enjoy free opera and ballet from the Royal Opera House across the UK. A must-see in many people’s summer diaries, the ongoing commitment and support from BP allows us to reach new audiences whilst entertaining those who return each year to watch the productions beamed on to the big screens.”
Des Violaris, BP’s UK Director for Arts and Culture, said: “BP is proud to support the BP Big Screen programme for 15 years. It’s fantastic to see the increase in audiences year on year, all accessing world class performances from the Royal Opera House. Whether I’m at a screen in Aberdeen or Trafalgar Square, I never fail to get excited by seeing the sheer joy on the faces of people enjoying opera and ballet for free. If you are new to the art forms or a seasoned fan these really are the perfect way to spend the evening.”
LOCATIONS
Aberdeen, Duthie Park | Belfast, City Hall | Bradford, Centenary Square | Bristol, Millennium Square | Chatham, Waterfront | Hammersmith, London | Leeds, Millennium Square | London, Trafalgar Square | Middlesbrough, Centre Square | Nottingham Wollaton Hall and Deer Park | Plymouth, The Piazza | Portsmouth, Guildhall Square | Purfleet, High House Production Park | Southend on Sea, The Forum | Swansea, Castle Square | Swindon, Wharf Green | Talaton House, East Devon | Tower Hamlets, Canary Wharf | University of Warwick, The Piazza | Waltham Forest, Walthamstow Town Square | Woolwich, General Gordon Square
To find out more about the Royal Opera House visit www.roh.org.uk
