ACIS &
GALATEA

As Handel’s most enduring dramatic work (and originally composed for outdoor performance), this opera follows the romantic story of Acis, a mortal shepherd, and Galatea, an ethereal nymph, whose undying love is fated by the jealousy of the monstrous giant Polyphemus.

Friday 3 & Sunday 5 September 2021

Guests were invited to arrive early to explore the grounds, experience the sound installations, and catch the pre-show pop-up performances by members of the chorus and orchestra, before watching the main opera.

Kindly supported by The Rothschild Foundation.

REVIEWS

“Ingenious stagecraft and expert musicianship”

The Stage

“With Music Director Jonathan Darbourne firmly at the helm and slick direction from Sophie Gilpin, this production was funny, accessible and entertaining. The Vache Baroque festival is local, intimate and rather special.”

London Unattached

AUDIENCE RESPONSES

“The actors/singers and musicians were amazing, giving a truly memorable performance.”

“…first class performers… imaginative set and production… beautiful setting.”

“Loved the joyful approach to the opera, the costumes and set were a highlight.”

“…excellent pre-show short concerts… talented young cast…”

“Loved the casual outdoor atmosphere…”

Galatea Rowan Pierce
Acis
James Way
Polyphemus
Tristan Hambleton
Coridon
Esther Mallett
Mezzo Chorus
Nancy Holt
Damon I
Rory Carver
Damon II
Guy Elliott
Bass Chorus
Oskar McCarthy

Violin I Michael Gurevich
Violin II
Naomi Burrell
Cello
Gavin Kibble
Double Bass
Carina Cosgrave
Oboe I/Recorder II
Joel Raymond
Oboe II/Recorder I
Oonagh Lee
Theorbo
Toby Carr
Harpsichord
Jonathan Darbourne

Music Director Jonathan Darbourne
Director
Sophie Gilpin
Designer
Laura Jane Stanfield
Movement
Monica Nicolaides
Lighting Designer
Andrew Ellis
Sound Installations
Dan Samsa, Naomi Burrell & Jonathan Darbourne
Hair & Make Up Carol Fowler

Company Stage Manager Betty Makharinsky
Event Producer
Daniel Makharinsky
Production Assistants
Gabrielle Court and James Larbow

Photographers The Photography Shed & Ben Tomlin
Videographer
Ben Tomlin
Sound Engineer
Peter Heaps

As Handel’s most enduring dramatic work (and originally composed for outdoor performance), this beautiful tale of love, tragedy and prevailing hope will transport you to the mythical utopia of nymphs and shepherds.

The story follows the romantic story of Acis, a mortal shepherd, and Galatea, an ethereal nymph, whose undying love is fated by the jealousy of the monstrous giant Polyphemus.

WHAT TO EXPECT

We encourage you to arrive early to explore the beautiful grounds, experience the sound installations, catch the pre-show pop-up performances by members of the chorus and orchestra, savour the food on offer from Rosehip+Rye, or treat yourself to a cocktail from the VBF bar, before watching the opera.

 3.30pm
4.30pm
5.30pm
6.30pm

Grounds Open
Pop-Up One: Songs
Pop-Up Two: Instrumental
Main Performance

Running time is c. 90 minutes.
There will be a short interval.

cast