Katie Balmforth

Orlando

Longborough Festival Opera | May 2026

Chivalric misadventure and the madness of unrequited love – Orlando follows intertwining, intense relationships across the themes of love, war, and insanity. 

Directed by Sinéad O’Neill and conducted from the harpsichord by experienced Baroque specialist Christopher Moulds, this new production features period-instrument orchestra Academy of Ancient Music.

Tristan Und Isolde

Longborough Festival Opera | June 2026

The Irish princess Isolde is promised to King Marke of Cornwall. Together with her handmaiden Brangäne, she is escorted across the sea by the knight Tristan. Isolde’s lethal poison meant for Tristan is replaced with a love potion, and their passion leads them along a path to tragedy.

We present a revival of our acclaimed production of Wagner’s groundbreaking Tristan und Isolde, directed by Carmen Jakobi with the Longborough Festival Orchestra conducted by Longborough’s veteran Wagnerian Music Director, Anthony Negus.

Fun Home

Royal Exchange Theatre | July 2026

‘I think we’re alike in a certain way…’

Join cartoonist Alison Bechdel on a journey into her childhood memories, remembering what it’s like to grow up in a funeral home, undergo a sexual awakening in college and try to make sense of the secrets at the heart of your family.

This groundbreaking modern masterpiece is a tale of grief and love, queer tragedy and queer joy, told through soaring, revelatory songs. Marking the 20th anniversary of Alison Bechdel’s iconic graphic novel, Fun Home features music by Jeanine Tesori and book and lyrics by Lisa Kron. The musical’s northern debut is directed by Sarah Frankcom.