OperaUpClose are to give their first live performances since March 2020 at MAST Mayflower Studios later this month.

The company will celebrate the beginning of their residency at the Guildhall Square theatre with Concerts in the Café: Shakespeare Re-Shaped on September 27 and 28.

Performed in the relaxed setting of the Café at MAST, Shakespeare Re-Shaped is a lively programme of spoken-word, music and opera, bringing a fresh, contemporary resonance to the Bard’s work. There are afternoon and evening performances with cocktails, wine, tea and cake available beforehand.

The programme features words and music inspired by Romeo & Juliet, Measure for Measure and Much Ado About Nothing with well-loved songs, arias and duets by Verdi, Gounod and Quilter. The concerts also include new writing by Kat Rose-Martin and a rare opportunity to hear Guy Woolfenden’s Songs of Ariel, first commissioned for Ian Charleson in the RSC’s iconic 1978 production of The Tempest.

Featuring an internationally renowned cast, including soprano Claire Wild, actor and writer Kat Rose-Martin and tenor Joseph Doody, the concert will be a joyful celebration of words, music and the return to live performance, in an informal ‘up close’ setting.

Tickets from mayflowerstudios.org.uk