Waterperry Opera Festival has unveiled its two major headline productions for the 2026 season: Puccini’s La Bohème and Donizetti’s The Elixir of Love, both to be performed in English.
Following the festival’s record-breaking 2025 season, these iconic works will take centre stage next summer, continuing Waterperry’s mission to offer imaginative, accessible opera for audiences of all ages.
Marking a significant first for the festival, La Bohème will be staged at Waterperry under the direction of rising star Ruth Knight, whose recent success with Handel’s Rodelinda at Garsington Opera earned widespread acclaim.
The production will be conducted by award-winning musician Bertie Baigent, whose dynamic artistry promises a compelling interpretation of Puccini’s much-loved score. Returning designer Jennifer Gregory, celebrated for her work on Waterperry’s 2025 Semele, will shape the visual world of the opera, with lighting by Ben Pickersgill, known for his acclaimed work on The Merry Widow and Rodelinda.
Meanwhile, The Elixir of Love reunites the complete creative team behind Waterperry’s triumphant 2025 Don Giovanni. Director John Wilkie returns for a third year, following his successes with The Barber of Seville and Il Segreto di Susanna for Opera Holland Park.
Designer Ceci Calf joins him once more, alongside lighting designer Jake Wiltshire. The production will be conducted by Charlotte Politi, whose vibrant, character-driven musical approach promises a lively and heartfelt staging of Donizetti’s sparkling comedy.
After a year of unprecedented attendance and the festival’s best-selling main-stage production to date, the 2026 season aims to deepen its connection with long-standing supporters while continuing to attract younger and first-time opera-goers. Pairing a heart-rending classic with a joyous romantic comedy ensures a rich emotional journey for audiences.
New Artistic Director and CEO John Savournin expressed his excitement for the season, emphasising the importance of accessibility: “These two universally adored operas will sit perfectly in Waterperry’s beautiful setting. Underscoring our commitment to accessibility, both productions will be sung in English, allowing audiences to connect directly and viscerally with these stories.”
Music Director and Co-Founder Bertie Baigent added: “These masterpieces offer enormous scope for imaginative staging, rich musical expression, and powerful character-driven storytelling—qualities central to Waterperry’s artistic identity.”
The festival also continues its dedication to nurturing emerging talent through its acclaimed Young Artist Programme and will soon announce additional family performances and site-specific works. The full 2026 programme arrives in January, with priority booking opening in early March.
