Shadow Opera in partnership with DEBUT is premiering a new opera by Tom Floyd and Sophie Goldrick based on the true story of a talented but mysterious Victoria Poet — Michael Field.
Veritable Michael is an operatic telling of the true story of Michael Field - A brilliant, Victorian poet who was hiding a secret. In May 1884, London awoke to the news of an exciting new playwright and poet bursting onto the scene to rave reviews. Michael Field not only won the praise of the papers, but also piqued the interest of literary giants Robert Browning and Oscar Wilde. But Michael was hiding a secret: he wasn’t a man, he wasn’t a woman — Michael Field was in fact two women, deeply in love, writing as one.
Tickets
via Eventbrite
Winner of the Stephen Oliver Award for new opera, Veritable Michael is based on the true story of Katherine Bradley and Edith Cooper — two Victorian poets who lived, loved and wrote under the pseudonym, Michael Field. It combines Katherine's and Edith's journals, poetry and letters with an original score by Tom Floyd.
This opera began life as a documentary podcast which delved deeply into the life of Michael Field with interviews from outstanding researchers and exploration of how the opera came to life. The podcast is available to stream in all good podcast feeds.
Shadow Opera is thrilled to bring the world premiere of the live version of Veritable Michael to the Grade II* listed Thames Tunnel Shaft at The Brunel Museum. The Brunel family held parties and performances in the Grand Entrance Hall in the 1840s and we are delighted to be continuing this legacy for new audiences.
In addition, you can enjoy a drink and the stunning ambience of Midnight Apothecary, a unique bar and garden on the roof of the Thames Tunnel Shaft, to make your night truly magical.
Brunel Museum & Midnight Apothecary
Team
Veritable Michael is a Shadow Opera production.
Music composed by Tom Floyd
Words by Michael Field, Sophie Goldrick and Tom Floyd
Created and produced by Sophie Goldrick and Tom Floyd
Conducted by Tom Floyd
Cast includes Lizzie Holmes, Sophie Goldrick, and Patrick Neyman.
Read DEBUT’s interview with composer Tom Floyd on the project
FAQs
What is the structure of the evening?
7:00 PM - Midnight Apothecary’s bar opens for rooftop alfresco cocktails
7:30 PM - Performance of Veritable Michael in Brunel’s Tunnel Shaft
9:00 PM - Opera ends & post show drinks with Midnight Apothecary
10:00 PM - Bar closes
How is the venue accessed?
The concert is located at the bottom of the Thames Tunnel Shaft’s stairwell, please note there is no lift access, however the top balcony is wheelchair accessible.