Katie Balmforth

Barnum

UK Tour | January 2026

Step right up and enter the dazzling world of P.T. Barnum, where imagination and ambition know no bounds.  Hand in hand with wife Charity, Barnum’s life and career twists and turns as he schemes and dreams his way to headier heights.

 West End favourite and TV star Lee Mead will take centre stage as the legendary 19th century showman P.T. Barnum. This spectacular production directed by Jonathan O’Boyle and choreographed by Oti Mabuse will feature an extraordinary ensemble cast of over 20 actor-musicians, acrobats and amazing circus acts. Audiences are certain to delight at every sight, wonder and miracle that the name Barnum stands for!

Orlando

Longborough Festival Opera | May 2026

Chivalric misadventure and the madness of unrequited love – Orlando follows intertwining, intense relationships across the themes of love, war, and insanity. 

Directed by Sinéad O’Neill and conducted from the harpsichord by experienced Baroque specialist Christopher Moulds, this new production features period-instrument orchestra Academy of Ancient Music.

Tristan und Isolde

Longborough Festival Opera | June 2026

The Irish princess Isolde is promised to King Marke of Cornwall. Together with her handmaiden Brangäne, she is escorted across the sea by the knight Tristan. Isolde’s lethal poison meant for Tristan is replaced with a love potion, and their passion leads them along a path to tragedy.

We present a revival of our acclaimed production of Wagner’s groundbreaking Tristan und Isolde, directed by Carmen Jakobi with the Longborough Festival Orchestra conducted by Longborough’s veteran Wagnerian Music Director, Anthony Negus.