Written by Freya Lewis
This Easter weekend, Heaton Park brings us a second series of Classical Family Concerts from Feelgood on the 1st and 2nd April. The brilliant cacophony of music will fill Heaton Hall once again after last year’s resounding success and will feature two classical concerts and the Music Box Children’s Show, for younger audiences.
Feelgood Theatre Productions was formed in 1994, and remains the Official Theatre Partner with Manchester City Council for Heaton Park, and are now well established for their unforgettable past performances.
The Classical Concerts will feature the Royal Northern College of Music’s singing stars (Jenny Carson as soprano, Thomas D Hopkinson as bass, and Dan McDwyer as tenor), along with the Vine Quartet, conducted by Alex Robinson, following their debut at the Cheltenham Festival.
The Classical Concerts will tell the tale of the Egerton family’s musical past at Heaton. Actress Fanny Kemble, a famous Hall visitor, will be played by Caroline Clegg as she unfolds the artistic musical storytelling of history. This also covers the infamous visitors of the Hall such as The Duke of Wellington, Charles Halle and Seymor Egerton’s Wandering Minstrels Orchestra that first opened at London’s Royal Albert Hall.
Audiences will gain the rare opportunity to wander the ‘closed’ Heaton Hall. Exploring the building, they will reach the elegant Music Room where they will be treated to an array of music from Handel and Verdi to Gilbert and Sullivan.
Caroline Clegg, Artistic Director of Feelgood Theatre Productions said: “Heaton has a distinguished musical heritage and I want to celebrate it and ensure that we can build a future legacy in the park… I know classical music is not everyone’s cup of tea but those who came last year were totally immersed in the combined beauty of the hall and the music – I urge you to give it a go.”
The Music Box – Three Stories About Home is a brand new show, for younger audiences aged 3-10 years, by the critically acclaimed Kate Romano. A world of wonder and curiosity unfurls around the tale of a fortune teller, three children and their extravagant adventures. The Vine Quartet combine, magical storytelling with shadow play and music from Bartok to Debussy. The perfect introduction to classical music perfect – with free cupcakes and an Easter Egg Hunt.
These Easter Concerts mark the beginning of Feelgood’s 2018 programme in the park. The proceeds Romeo and Juliet in the summer, a Halloween Show, a very special Manchester Peace Song Cycle in November, and a new Christmas extravaganza.
CLASSICAL CONCERTS:
Sunday 1st April 3 pm & Monday 2nd April 5 pm (Duration 1 hr 20 mins)
Tickets start at £16.00/ £12.00 conc.
THE MUSIC BOX CHILDREN’S SHOW
Monday 2nd April 12 noon and 2 pm (Duration 50 mins)
Tickets start at £15.00 for 1 child and 1 adult.
- Free cupcakes for all children.
- Tickets for both events are also available in person from Heaton Farm Centre Café (cash only). Children must be accompanied by an adult. Children, please bring a cushion to sit on so you can sit at the front.
- The venue is wheelchair accessible and seated.