Waterperry Opera Festival has unveiled its 2026 headline productions, confirming two much-loved operatic masterpieces—Puccini’s La Bohème and Donizetti’s The Elixir of Love—will take centre stage next summer.
Both operas will be performed in vivid, accessible English translations, continuing the Festival’s mission to make world-class opera engaging for audiences of all ages and levels of experience.
The announcement follows a record-breaking 2025 season, which saw the Festival welcome unprecedented audience numbers and achieve its highest-ever Main Stage ticket sales. Set against the idyllic backdrop of Waterperry’s iconic gardens, the 2026 programme promises a blend of emotional intensity, sparkling comedy, and bold creative storytelling.
La Bohème
In a major first for Waterperry, La Bohème will be staged at the Festival for the 2026 season. Rising director Ruth Knight, fresh from her acclaimed work on Handel’s Rodelinda at Garsington Opera, will lead the production.
She is joined by designer Jennifery Gregory, returning to Waterperry following her widely praised work on Semele in 2025. Lighting design will be created by Ben Pickersgill, whose recent successes include The Merry Widow for Scottish Opera/Opera Holland Park and Rodelinda at Garsington.
Casting features Faryl Smith (Glyndebourne) as Mimì, Jolyon Loy (Royal Ballet and Opera, ENO) as Marcello, and Ceferina Penny (Garsington Opera, Scottish Opera) as Musetta.
The Elixir of Love
The Festival’s new production of Donizetti’s The Elixir of Love reunites the acclaimed creative team behind 2025’s Don Giovanni. Director John Wilkie returns for his third year, following celebrated Waterperry productions and his recent Il Segreto di Susanna at Opera Holland Park. He is joined once again by designer Ceci Calf and lighting designer Jake Wiltshire, whose recent work includes Irish National Opera’s standout Madama Butterfly.
The cast will include Daisy Brown (Opera North, Opera Holland Park) as Adina, James Geidt (Garsington Opera, Scottish Opera) as Belcore, and Matthew Kellett (Scottish Opera, Opera Holland Park) as Dulcamara.
Read more: Waterperry Opera Festival unveils La Bohème and The Elixir of Love for 2026
The Festival’s 2026 programme aims to deepen its connection with loyal audiences while continuing to welcome younger and first-time opera-goers. Full programme details—including family events and site-specific performances—will be announced in January, with priority booking opening in early March.
Watch the 2025 festival highlights
