OperaUpClose

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OperaUpClose is a national touring opera company, led by Artistic Director Flora McIntosh, The company was founded in 2009 to produce its début production, Robin Norton-Hale's Olivier Award-winning adaptation of Puccini's La bohème at The Cock Tavern Theatre.^[1]

OperaUpClose produce new English language versions of the standard repertoire and World Premieres of new operas. Of the standard works, La bohème stands out as having been successful in runs for extended periods and has transferred to a West End location. Since being founded in 2009, OperaUpClose has produced thirty-eight operas: including six world premieres of contemporary operas, classic operas in newly commissioned chamber orchestrations and English librettos. Their production of La Bohème won the 2011 Olivier Award for Best Opera Production and the WhatsOnStage.com Award for Best Off-West End production; and their world premiere of The Blank Canvas won the 2015 Off West End Award for Best Opera.^[2]

Between 2010 and 2015, OperaUpClose was the resident company at The King's Head Theatre in Islington.^[3] From that date "the company will work in a variety of larger venues in London, including Kings Place, Soho Theatre and Tricycle Theatre, and further develop its touring output across the UK."^[4] The company is an Associate Company of Soho Theatre^[5] and co-produces with the Belgrade Theatre Coventry, Tricycle Theatre, Kings Place and Malmö Opera (Sweden). It tours within the UK and internationally. OperaUpClose has produced at least four operas a year, all in new English versions.

In 2014 OperaUpClose began operating as a charity. The company ended its residency at the King's Head Theatre in 2015. In April 2023 OperaUpClose joined Arts Council England National Funding Portfolio.