Opera’s wildest late-night party is returning to Melbourne, with Opera Up Late set to take over the Regent Theatre for one mischievous night on 15 November.
Following its hugely successful Melbourne debut last year, the operatic cabaret will once again bring together powerhouse voices, outrageous humour and plenty of camp for a night that throws the rulebook out of the opera house.
Hosted by Reuben Kaye, the one-night event will put a playful spin on some of opera’s best-known arias, while mixing in musical theatre favourites and a few pop hits.
Joining Kaye will be some of Opera Australia’s finest singers, including highly awarded Australian soprano Emma Matthews.
This year’s performance will also get a fresh visual makeover, borrowing the set from Opera Australia’s new production of La Bohème. Audiences can expect an all-new repertoire of jokes, extravagant costumes and reworked operatic classics, delivered with a distinctly queer and camp sensibility.
Award-winning director Shaun Rennie is returning to the production and says the event has grown considerably since its first appearance.
“Opera Up Late began as a one-off concert in 2023 for World Pride and has grown into an ongoing celebration of all things opera, camp and naughty unapologetic joy!” Rennie says,
“Built on the extraordinary talent, creativity and infectious energy of Reuben Kaye as host alongside so many gifted performers from Opera Australia, it is a total joy to create every year.
“I’d encourage everyone to join us at the Regent Theatre in November for a guaranteed night of belly laughs and divas!” he said.
With big voices, bigger costumes and plenty of irreverence, Opera Up Late offers a different kind of night at the opera. Audiences are encouraged to dress to impress and settle in for an evening celebrating opera, queerness and unapologetic fun.
More information at opera.org.au/productions/opera-up-late-melbourne
