Hänsel und Gretel

Performance for Schools: Thursday 23 October, 11am

Photography © I.B.L/Rex Features

Premiered in 1893, Hänsel und Gretel is Humperdinck’s first opera and has been a constant and extraordinary success. Described by Richard Strauss as “a masterpiece of the highest quality”, the opera combines romanticism, lyricism and exuberant playfulness in a vibrantly rich orchestration that is clearly influenced by the music of Brahms and Wagner.  Like all great fairy tales, the story has darker underpinnings, evident in Humperdinck’s brilliant orchestral writing which accompanies the lost siblings’ journey through a shadowy world of unknown and limitless menace.

Opera in Three Acts.  Sung in German with English supertitles.  Supported by Jon and Julia Aisbitt

Conductor Robin Ticciati
Director  Laurent Pelly
Revival Director Stephane Marlot
Set Designer Barbara de Limburg Stirum
Costume Designer Laurent Pelly
Lighting Designer Joël Adam

The performance lasts for approximately 2 hours 15 minutes including a 20 minute interval

Supporting Workshops

  •  Workshop for Schools based on Hänsel und Gretel (Dates available between 6  and 17 October including a workshop for the blind and partially sighted)
  • Workshop for Teachers based on Hänsel und Gretel andThe Magic Flute  (Tuesday 16 September)

Educational Links

  • Hänsel und Gretel is suitable for primary and secondary schools and colleges  
  • Suitable for GCSE/A-level drama students required to review live theatre and
     demonstrate informed criticism 
  •  Suitable for GCSE citizenship students looking at the role of the citizen and social responsibility

Further information on Hänsel und Gretel