Opera North bring Passion and Power to Salford's Lowry

Opera North bring Passion and Power to Salford’s Lowry

Peter Anderson
November 8, 2025

Lowry’s partner company, Opera North, returns to Salford this coming week, with two extraordinary operatic productions. Firstly from Wednesday until Saturday 15th November, Puccini’s timeless masterpiece La bohème (above) takes centre stage. This critically acclaimed production, originally developed by Phyllida Lloyd (director of Mamma Mia!), is the perfect introduction to opera. Set in 1950s Paris and framed like a series of Polaroid memories, it tells a poignant story of youthful love, friendship, and heartbreak. With unforgettable music and a universally relatable narrative, it’s a must-see for both first-time opera-goers and seasoned fans.

On Friday 14 November, Opera North joins forces with Phoenix Dance Theatre to present Handel’s Susanna (below), a bold and contemporary reimagining of a lesser-known work. Directed by Olivia Fuchs and choreographed by Marcus Jarrell Willis, this fourth collaboration between the two companies explores themes of gender, power, and truth through a compelling fusion of opera and dance. Featuring a gender-fluid portrayal of the character Daniel and creatively integrated British Sign Language, Susanna is a thought-provoking and inclusive performance that resonates with today’s audiences.

Also part of Opera North’s autumn season at Lowry is The Big Opera Mystery, a fast-paced, interactive family show perfect for children aged 5–12. Taking place at 12pm on Saturday 15 November, this musical whodunnit invites young audiences to solve a mystery alongside some of opera’s greatest characters, with live music from the Orchestra of Opera North. Sung in English and lasting just 50 minutes, it’s an ideal first encounter with opera for budding detectives and music lovers alike.

Opera North is a national opera company based in Leeds and a leading UK arts organisation. Rooted in the North of England, international in outlook, we believe opera, music and live performance is for everyone. Their aim is to make bold, innovative, inspiring work and share it in new ways. Opera North’s award-winning productions tour to theatre stages and concert halls throughout the North and beyond. Alongside this, they curate an ambitious artistic programme in the Howard Assembly Room and a concert season with the full-time Orchestra of Opera North.