Verdi’s Rigoletto coming to Shrewsbury Abbey in powerful new production

North Wales Opera Company returns to Shrewsbury this spring with a powerful new production of Giuseppe Verdi’s Rigoletto, set to be performed in the atmospheric surroundings of Shrewsbury Abbey on May 17.

A company known for bringing high-quality, accessible opera to regional audiences, North Wales Opera continues its mission of showcasing emerging talent alongside experienced performers. With a reputation for nurturing ‘opera stars in the making’, their productions combine professional standards with an energy and freshness that has become their hallmark.

NWOS’ latest production Rigoletto - which comes to Shrewsbury Abbey (with elevated staging this year) on Sunday, May 17 - features an international cast, with the demanding title role shared across the week by two accomplished baritones. 

London-based Chris Childs Santos brings significant experience to the part, having recently returned from performing Nabucco in Italy, and with previous performances of Rigoletto already under his belt. Sharing the role is Lithuanian baritone Marius Bytautas, who will be taking on the character for the first time. He does so under the guidance of director Anne Williams King, herself a former professional opera singer whose career has spanned both performance and direction. Her background as a performer gives her a particular insight into developing singers, something that has long been a defining feature of the company’s work.

The role of Gilda will be performed by Ukrainian soprano Khrystyna Makar, a graduate of the Lviv National Music Academy, bringing both vocal clarity and emotional depth to one of opera’s most poignant heroines. Maddalena, the sharp and seductive sister of the assassin Sparafucile, will be played by two contrasting performers: Myome Mortimer-Davies from Port Talbot, a former Royal Northern College of Music student and Miss Earth Wales Air 2023, and Juliet Telford of Trinity Laban Conservatoire.

The charismatic and morally dubious Duke of Mantua will be shared by tenors Lewis Quinn and Robin Dick, ensuring a dynamic interpretation of one of Verdi’s most famous roles.

Musical direction will be led by Andrew Charity, assisted by Jack Campbell—composer, collaborative pianist and winner of the Musicians’ Company Silver Medal. Accompanying the singers will be a live pit band provided by the SY1 Ensemble from Shrewsbury, adding further local connection to this ambitious production.

Director Anne Williams King said: “If you're new to the world of opera, there's no better place to start than with Giuseppe Verdi's masterpiece Rigoletto. Set against the backdrop of Renaissance Italy, it's a dramatic tale of love, betrayal and revenge.”

Of the NWOS mission, she said: “We are in existence to provide training and quality performing opportunities for young emerging artists and rely mostly on ticket sales to fund our projects. 

“We also encourage local talented people to join us to be part of the chorus and sing the  smaller parts. So if you enjoy our productions and want us to continue producing professional standard opera performances please continue to support us!”

With its combination of a compelling story, soaring music and a cast drawn from across the UK and beyond, this promises to be a memorable evening in one of Shrewsbury’s most historic settings. Whether you are a seasoned opera-goer or completely new to the genre, North Wales Opera Company’s Rigoletto offers a perfect opportunity to experience live opera at its most engaging.

NWOS brings Verdi’s ‘Rigoletto’ to Llangollen Town Hall on May 13, Oswestry Holroyd Community Theatre on May 15, and Shrewsbury Abbey on May 17, accompanied by Ensemble SY1. Tickets available at ticketquarter.co.uk.