Historic castles, landscaped gardens and one of the country's best-loved regional theatres will provide the backdrop for five Wild Arts performances in Gloucestershire this summer, as the touring company returns to the county with a new production of Mozart's The Marriage of Figaro alongside its popular An Evening of Opera.
Wild Arts' 2026 tour sees internationally renowned soprano Danielle de Niese make her directorial debut with a new English-language production of The Marriage of Figaro.
One of Mozart's most enduring operas, it follows Figaro and Susanna as they attempt to outwit Count Almaviva before their wedding day, combining sharp comedy, romance and some of the composer's most recognisable music in a fresh new staging.
The production also features a new chamber orchestration by Wild Arts artistic director Orlando Jopling, performed by a 10-piece orchestra to bring Mozart's comic masterpiece to contemporary audiences.
Receiving rave national reviews, The Guardian describes the Wild Arts' production as 'miraculous' with 'dynamic singing, charismatic orchestral play and clever stage jokes'; while The Times said it is 'emotionally and dramatically full with an excellent cast and instrumental flair'.
Gloucestershire audiences can catch The Marriage of Figaro at Owlpen Manor on Thursday 16 July 2026, where guests are invited to picnic in the grounds before the performance, before the production heads to Cheltenham's Everyman Theatre on Sunday 9 August 2026.
Beyond Gloucestershire, audiences can see the show at nearby Malvern Theatres on Wednesday 15 July 2026 and the recently-opened Schwarzman Centre in Oxford on Saturday 1 August 2026.
Also touring this summer is An Evening of Opera, a 90-minute performance featuring favourite arias, ensembles and songs from the worlds of opera and musical theatre, directed by Guido Martin-Brandis.
Performed by four singers accompanied by a live string quintet, the programme includes music by Handel, Mozart, Rossini and Delibes, alongside well-known songs from My Fair Lady, Carousel and Annie Get Your Gun.
The production visits three Gloucestershire venues this summer, beginning at Sudeley Castle on Monday 13 July 2026; before moving to Painswick Rococo Garden on Friday 17 July 2026; as well as Berkeley Castle on Sunday 19 July 2026.
The show will also be performed in a circus tent at Ham Court in Bampton in Oxfordshire on Tuesday 28 July 2026.
As with many Wild Arts performances, audiences are encouraged to arrive early with a picnic to make the most of the historic surroundings before the music begins.
Whether you're planning an evening with friends, a special date night or simply looking for a different way to spend a summer's evening, Wild Arts' Gloucestershire tour promises memorable live performances in some of the county's most beautiful settings.
For full performance details and to book tickets, visit wildarts.org.uk.
