Opera North Presents The Marriage of Figaro in Leeds

Introduction to Mozart’s Comedy at Leeds Grand Theatre

Opera North’s new production of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro is currently running at Leeds Grand Theatre until 20 February 2026. This classic comic opera, known for its lively music and intricate plot, is being presented in a modern rural setting under the direction of Louisa Muller.

Plot Overview

The story centres on the day of the wedding between Figaro and Susanna, the Countess Almaviva’s lady-in-waiting. However, the day is far from straightforward. The Count, who is married to the Countess, has his eye on Susanna, while Figaro is burdened by a significant debt. The couple must navigate a series of schemes and surprises to secure their future together.

Production and Cast

• Susanna: Hera Hyesang Park, making her Opera North debut, plays Susanna. She describes the character as intelligent, quick-witted, and emotionally grounded, often the smartest person in the room.
• Count Almaviva: James Newby takes the role of the Count.
• Countess Almaviva: Gabriella Reyes plays the Countess.
• Marcellina: Katherine Broderick appears as Marcellina.

The production is set in a contemporary rural estate, incorporating elements such as wellies, tweeds, and horse-riding, reflecting a modern interpretation of the opera’s setting.

Insights from Hera Hyesang Park

Hera Hyesang Park spoke about her attraction to opera as a form of emotional expression beyond words. She recalled her first experience of The Marriage of Figaro as engaging and full of distinct characters. Park highlighted the opera’s blend of comedy with serious themes such as relationships, power, and social class, emphasising Mozart’s ability to capture these nuances through music.

She also noted that the opera is an excellent introduction for those new to the genre due to its accessibility, humour, and emotional depth.

Familiarity of Mozart’s Music

Music from The Marriage of Figaro has been widely used in film and television, often without audiences realising its origin. Notable examples include films like The Shawshank Redemption and The King’s Speech, as well as TV series such as Emily in Paris and Amadeus.

Additional Information

• Tickets for the production are available until 20 February 2026.
• The production includes modern staging and costume design to bring a fresh perspective to the classic opera.
• Opera North encourages audiences to engage with the production through quizzes and other interactive content.

For further details and ticket bookings, visit the Leeds Heritage Theatres website.

Source: Leeds Heritage Theatres, 5 February 2026