Hansel and Gretel: A Playground Opera

A video-game portal, a live opera and a part for the children

Longborough Festival Opera gives Humperdinck's Hansel and Gretel a playful reset: a portal opens inside the siblings' video game and sends them into a magical world where the story may not be what it seems. This family production is aimed at young audiences and brings opera together with storytelling, drama and movement.

Primary-school-aged children can join the free on-stage workshop with their ticket, exploring music, singing and movement before learning how they will take part in the show. Arrive at 11.45am for sign-in; the workshop runs from noon to 1.30pm, followed by lunch, preparation and the 2.30pm performance, which finishes at 3.15pm.

Bring a packed lunch or snacks and a water bottle, and choose comfortable clothes and shoes for the workshop. The Theatre has step-free access to the stalls, bar, ticket desk and accessible toilet through its Spring Street bar door, but this period building has no lift to the balcony or gallery, so contact the Box Office about access needs.

There is no dedicated theatre car park: the venue recommends the free long-stay New Street car park, OX7 5NF, or Albion Street, OX7 5BJ, and asks visitors to avoid parking on narrow Spring Street where possible. Once you have booked an adult and child ticket, select a free workshop place online or call the Box Office to reserve it.

Ticketed. Book via Chipping Norton Theatre; workshop places are free with an adult and child ticket.

Sunday 18 October 2026 · Chipping Norton Theatre, 2 Spring Street, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire OX7 5NL · Starts 2.30pm · Performance ends 3.15pm