COMING SOON –
The Pendle Witch Opera
Outreach Opera are delighted to announce that they are commissioning a brand new Lancashire opera.
Audiences are invited to immerse themselves in the famous tale of the Pendle Witches through a remarkable opera crafted by the talented composer, Ben Crick. This haunting narrative unfolds during the tumultuous early 17th century when fear and suspicion ran rampant, resulting in the brutal persecution of an innocent group of individuals.
This new opera endeavours to vividly resurrect the stories of those who faced trial and execution. Outreach Opera will intricately weave together the narrative and the stunning landscape, in this heart-wrenching tale of a grave miscarriage of justice.
Throughout the 2023/24 season, Outreach Opera embarks on a mission to raise £15,000 to realise this production. The goal is to stage this extraordinary opera for audiences in the Autumn of 2025, coinciding with Outreach Opera’s 10th Anniversary celebration!
The fundraising efforts begin in October 2023 when co-founders Georgina Rosanna Crowe and Helen Latham will embark on a 51 mile journey on foot, which mirrors that of the witches themselves in 1612. Named The Lancashire Witches Way, this walk stretches from Barrowford to Lancaster Castle traversing the villages of Pendle and the desolate yet breathtaking Forest of Bowland. As they journey, Outreach Opera will seek to connect with individuals who can offer insights into the trials of witches, all while embracing the stark beauty of Lancashire’s moorlands. Through music and words, they aim to express their firsthand experiences along the way.
This opera is a true Lancashire community effort, funded by the people who call Lancashire home and performed by our dedicated Lancashire-based opera company. We invite you to be a part of this epic chapter in the Outreach Opera story by contributing any donation you can.
Your support will play a vital role in bringing this compelling tale to life, and we are deeply grateful for any contributions that can help us achieve our artistic vision
The Walk Itself: 23rd – 25th October 2023
Day 1 – Barrowford to Clitheroe
Day 2 – Clitheroe to High Salter
Day 3 – High Salter to Lancaster Castle
Along the way, Helen and Georgina will pass the 10 beautiful cast iron waymarkers – one for each of the 10 executed. At each of these points, they will offer creative treats in the way of song, poetry and prose.
How to Donate…..
To make a donation please follow this link to the Outreach Opera PayPal account.
https://paypal.me/OutreachOpera?locale.x=en_GB
As they travel, Georgina and Helen will be documenting their adventure on Social Media and will be recording a podcast of guest speakers and performances at each of the waymarkers. For anyone who wishes to join them for a leg of the journey or meet them at the end for a celebratory drink and a meal, they will have more details about the journey online very soon!
Georgina and Helen would like to thank you all in advance for your help and support.
For more information:
Ben Crick – https://www.bencrickmusic.com/
Long Distance Walkers Association – https://ldwa.org.uk/ldp/members/show_path.php?path_name=Lancashire+Witches
Last Night of the Proms 2023
