Opera North Pre-Show Talk – The Flying Dutchman

Carmel Smickersgill, Tours & Activities Editor
Stock image from The Lowry
Image supplied by Quay Tickets

Opera North Pre-Show Talk - The Flying Dutchman at Lowry, Salford 15 March 2025 Entrance is free — Visit now

Opera is often cited as an artform that can feel quite inaccessible to someone coming across it for the first time. Sometimes being given a bit of context to a show can really help people tap into the thing that makes opera so captivating. It may be in a different language and it may feel like there’s a lot going on, but in its bones opera is an incredible form for expressing human emotions. It grabs people by holding a mirror up to the rawest form of how we feel and invoking empathy. Opera North are opening up this conversation and giving people a wider understanding of their programme with a series of pre-show talks. 

This February we’re looking forward to seeing Wagner’s epic ghostly ship dock into Upper Briggate in The Flying Dutchman. Based on the legend of a galleon doomed to sail endlessly with only the chance to release the souls trapped on board every seven years, this opera examines the politics of human dynamics put under extreme pressure. It’s a tale that wills the truth to emerge amongst alternative human agendas. Something that feels particularly pertinent in the current global political climate. 

In the pre-show talk a panel of industry professionals including a company member from the production will discuss the background of the piece in further detail. You’ll also hear about the creative decisions made by Opera North in their particular staging of the work and why choices that affect how the whole production looks and feels were made. Speakers are confirmed closer to the event but based on previous panels you can be sure it’ll be a fascinating discussion. 

Tickets for the pre-show talks are free but numbers are limited so it’s always worth booking in advance to avoid disappointment.

Opera North Pre-Show Talk - The Flying Dutchman at Lowry, Salford 15 March 2025 Entrance is free Visit now

Performances

Date
Time
Session Features
15 March 2025
6:00pm

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

What's on at Lowry

Marikiscrycrycry - Goner at The Lowry
DanceSalford
Marikiscrycrycry – Goner at Lowry

Created by performer and choreographer Malik Nashad Sharpe (aka Marikiscrycrycry), Goner is a unique live performance blending dance, horror and social exploration.

from £18.00
Homecoming at Lowry
DanceSalford
Homecoming at Lowry

Blending storytelling, dynamic choreography and cutting-edge technology, this show can be enjoyed as an immersive live theatre show or via VR. Intrigued? We certainly are.

from £18.00
Wes Peden: Rollercoaster at The Lowry
DanceSalford
Wes Peden: Rollercoaster at Lowry

Expect contemporary plate spinning, epic 3-ball juggling and some of the most difficult juggling ever done on stage in this thrilling circus show produced by Gandini Juggling.

from £18.00
Emilyn Claid: Untitled at The Lowry
DanceMediaCityUK
emilyn claid: Untitled at Lowry

emilyn claid’s intimate and dazzling performance blends movement and theatre to explore ageing, acceptance and transformation.

from £14.00
Until we Sleep at The Lowry
DanceThe Quays
Until We Sleep at Lowry

Olivier Award-winning choreographer, Botis Seva brings his latest hip hop dance production, Until We Sleep, to The Lowry this January.

from £18.00
Rooh: Within Her at The Lowry
DanceMediaCityUK
Rooh: Within Her at Lowry

Head to Salford for this compelling solo dance show by the renowned choreographer and performer Urja Desai Thakore of Pagrav Dance.

from £16.00

Where to go near Opera North Pre-Show Talk – The Flying Dutchman

hotel2
Hotel
Hilton Liverpool

The riverside location of Hilton Liverpool makes it one of the most centrally placed hotels in the city, close to the all attractions, big and small.

hotel
Baltic Triangle
Hotel
Maldron Hotel

The Maldron Hotel is perfectly located on the edge of the Baltic Triangle and offers comfortable stays and luxurious breakfasts.

hotel4
Liverpool
Hotel
The Halyard

The Halyard is one of Liverpool’s newest hotels, with top floor suites offering sweeping views of the city and delicious treats in the restaurant.

shop
Liverpool
Shop
COW Liverpool

Cow Liverpool is one of the city’s favourite vintage shops, with clothing, accessories and homeware in a spacious shop on Bold Street.

Liverpool
Shop
Pop Boutique Liverpool

Pop Boutique houses Vintage, clothing, homeware and vinyl. This bold street shop is in the centre of the ropewalks area of Liverpool which is fast becoming the indie centre of Liverpool.

cafe
Lark Lane
Café or Coffee Shop
Press Bros

Press Bros is one of Lark Lane’s best coffee spots, with coffee made from locally roasted beans and delicious breakfasts.

Manchester
Restaurant
Exhibition

Exhibition is an elegant dining hall on Peter Street, home to Jaan and other high-level independent kitchens.

An image of a large man made pool with fountains in front of a historic building with a clock tower
Bradford
Park
City Park

City park is Bradford’s brilliant multi-award winning outdoor public space, one of its highlights being The Mirror Pool — the largest urban water feature in the UK.

A 350-capacity space, permanent live music venue at 75 Argyle Street. This community venue will bring some of today’s most exciting new national and international artists to Wirral, while at the same time providing key early performance opportunities for emerging local musicians.
Wirral
Event venue
Future Yard

Future Yard is the Wirral’s most exciting music venue providing a stage and opportunities for musicians and the local community.

food and drink
Restaurant
Chamber 36 City Centre

Serving excellent Pan-Asian dishes and quirky cocktails, Chamber 36 is a stylish restaurant on the edge of Liverpool’s China Town.

What's on: Theatre

Mariupol Drama at HOME
TheatreFirst Street
Mariupol Drama at HOME

A poignant documentary performance based on the true testimonies of the Ukrainian actors who sought refuge in the Donetsk Theatre during the Russian strikes of March 2022.

from £15.00
Until we Sleep at The Lowry
DanceThe Quays
Until We Sleep at Lowry

Olivier Award-winning choreographer, Botis Seva brings his latest hip hop dance production, Until We Sleep, to The Lowry this January.

from £18.00

Culture Guides

A man and a woman stood in front of a window at night look into each others' eyes
Cinema in the North

Hollywood greats and early bird film fest tickets are on our horizon as we start the New Year.

Theatre in Manchester and the North
Theatre in the North

Documentary performance, groundbreaking dance, world premieres and fresh takes on classic works - check out our early theatre highlights for 2025.

Raver Tots at Escape to Freight Island
Family things to do in the North

We might be past the holiday season, but Manchester and the North's arts and cultural calendar is still packed with brilliant events and activities for families

Music in the North

Warm, intimate storytelling is the thread connecting our new picks, which include a number of brilliant folk artists.

A sculpture of a dark brown dog looks to the right, hanging out of its middle and the back are what appears to be its insides (in cream) spilling out.
Exhibitions in the North

From genre-defying art film to vibrant embroidery and Surrealist sculpture, check out the best winter exhibitions to see right now.