Opera Worcester’s latest opera production had to call in specialist help.

I Pagliacci calls for the staging of fight scenes and the society was lucky enough to be able to call upon the help of professional Fight Director, Anthony Ravenhall .

Born in Worcester and educated at RGS Worcester, Anthony was one of the original founders of the Worcester Arts Workshop where he first found his passion for all things ‘theatre’. Since graduating from the Welsh College of Music and Drama Anthony has worked as an actor and director across a wide range of theatre companies and genres.

He was Artistic Director of the York Theatre Royal’s Young People’s Theatre, touring professional theatre to young audiences throughout the north-east, nationally and internationally as well as In-house performance on the Theatre Royal’s main stage.

He also became director of the internationally renowned York Wagon Mystery Plays and has worked as Fight Director for many diverse productions.

Pictured: Anthony Ravenhall (left ) discusses a point with Cav & Pag Director Andrew Rawle (right) Photograph by Carl John Freeman

Opera Worcester Chairman Caroline Causier comments: “We are extremely lucky to have someone of Anthony’s calibre volunteer his services to work with our principals.  We are also very grateful to him for agreeing to act as production manager for this year’s production of Cav and Pag.”

Anthony Ravenhall comments “Fights on stage are notoriously difficult to choreograph so that they look convincing and of course the safety of everyone involved is of tantamount importance.  It’s the first opera I’ve worked on as a Fight Director and it’s been great fun. The principals have been very receptive to my suggestions. “

The two one act operas of Cavalleria Rusticana and I Pagliacci runs for just 3 performances from 2 May – 4 May at The Swan Theatre, Worcester.

Performances are at 7.30pm on Thurs and Fri, and there is a matinee performance only on Saturday at 2.30pm.  Tickets are currently available from Worcester Live on 01905 611427

Opera Worcester- Drama Workshop

Anthony is running a drama workshop on Saturday 29 June :“Developing character – How does an actor find the character behind the text and beyond”.  The workshop will suit people at all levels : from the experienced performer to the absolute novice. Non-members of Opera Worcester are welcome to take part but places are extremely limited so please phone 07396 081426 to book or to find out more.