Pop-up Opera is a small touring opera company formed by soprano Clementine Lovell. Clementine was frustrated by the fact that in the UK, opera is only available at large theatres in the cities, and that sometimes the formal atmosphere can alienate potential opera lovers. Friends who were interested in trying opera were put off by the idea that opera is inaccessible and only for ‘buffs’ who are regular opera goers. Clementine’s involvement in folk music meant that she regularly performed to audiences some of whom had not experienced opera before, and started to bring concerts of opera scenes to these places. After a very positive response, the idea of Pop-up Opera was born. The company’s first production, Donizetti’s Don Pasquale, with 5 singers and pianoforte, came to the Spike Friday 15th July 2011, tickets were sold out. the production was specially adapted by Darren Royston in an exciting new approach specially tailored to the Spike which allowed the audience to experience opera close up, whilst still maintaining an optimum standard of musical performance.
Doors opened at 19:15, and the event started with a complimentary drink and Canapés followed by the live performance of Don Pasquale and in keeping with Clementine's edict this was a casual and relaxed evening where the audience were able to enjoy watching the performance unfold.
