The Waterperry Opera Festival’s 2025 mainstage production, Mozart’s Don Giovanni, began its much-anticipated run tonight in the enchanting amphitheatre at Waterperry Gardens.
This opera classic follows the notorious Don Giovanni, a charming yet reckless libertine whose relentless pursuit of love and pleasure leads to a whirlwind of passion, deception, and dark comedy.
As his escapades unravel, Giovanni finds himself facing the consequences of his actions in a dramatic and unforgettable climax, captivating audiences with its blend of humour and intensity.
Leading the cast is Edmund Danon in the title role, bringing a magnetic presence to the cunning seducer. He is joined by Emyr Wyn Jones as the ever-faithful yet morally conflicted Leporello, Kira Kaplan as the determined Donna Anna, Simon Mascarenhas Carter as the noble Don Ottavio, and Georgia Mae Ellis as the passionate Donna Elvira.
Jonathan Eyers and Ellie Neate complete the ensemble as Masetto and Zerlina, while Jamie Woollard commands the stage as the imposing Commendatore. The Young Artist Chorus, featuring Clementine Thompson, Maria Wotherspoon, Gabriela Comeau Gort, Euan McDonald, and Maximilian Catalano, adds depth and vibrancy to the production.
Musically, the Waterperry Opera Festival Orchestra, under the expert baton of conductor Charlotte Politi, delivers Mozart’s score with both precision and passion, highlighting the opera’s emotional range.
Director John Wilkie’s imaginative staging combines with Ceci Calf’s evocative set and costume designs to transport the audience into Giovanni’s world, enhanced by Jake Wiltshire’s atmospheric lighting and Emilia Cadenasso’s dynamic movement direction.
Behind the scenes, the production is supported by a dedicated team, including senior producer Guy Verrall-Withers, assistant producer Vivian Stolt, and stage management led by Beatrice Wallbank.
Head of music Ashley Beauchamp and répétiteur Aleksandra Myslek have worked closely with the cast to shape the musical performances, while intimacy coordinator Rachel Wise and sound engineer Niccolo Conti ensure a safe and immersive experience for all.
Don Giovanni runs for five performances, with limited tickets still available for 10, 13, 15, and 16 August. Opera enthusiasts and newcomers alike are encouraged to secure their seats soon for what promises to be one of the most thrilling and memorable evenings of the Waterperry Opera Festival 2025.
The Waterperry Opera Festival 2025 opened in spectacular fashion on Friday, 08 August, with a bold and sensual new production of Handel’s Semele.
Read more: Semele set the stage at Waterperry Opera Festival 2025
