Opera Comes Alive in Newcastle: Tyne Theatre and Opera House Announces ‘Opera Unplugged’ International Conference this September

The Tyne Theatre and Opera House is proud to announce Opera Unplugged, a thrilling three-day international conference bringing together leading scholars, practitioners, and opera lovers from across the globe to explore the hidden histories, evolving practices, and enduring magic of opera. Taking place from Wednesday 3 to Friday 5 September 2025, the conference promises an unmissable programme of thought-provoking talks, live demonstrations, and rare insights into the artistry behind the spectacle. 

Set within one of Britain’s most atmospheric surviving Victorian theatres, Opera Unplugged will delve into the technical, musical, architectural, and cultural fabric of opera. From the re imagining of lost theatres to the revival of forgotten works, the conference will uncover the creative legacies that continue to shape operatic storytelling today. 

The event will open with a keynote from celebrated baritone Sir Thomas Allen CBE, whose personal reflections on a life in opera promise to set the tone for a deeply engaging few days. 

Conference highlights include: 

• Tommaso Sabbatini on the meticulous editing of a 1903 Tosca production at the Opéra-Comique
• Hannah Scott on Scottish identity and costume on the Parisian stage 
• A special session on Oscar Barrett, including discussions of The Corsican Brothers and The Lancashire Lass
• An exclusive opening of the Carl Rosa Opera Exhibition, featuring rarely-seen artefacts and archival material
• A keynote from Nicholas Payne, former Director of the Royal Opera House and one of the world’s most respected voices in opera policy and advocacy
• Groundbreaking research into the world’s first public opera house – Venice’s Teatro San Cassiano – with Paul Atkin and Jon Greenfield 
• A live historic stage lighting demonstration
• A tour of the Tyne Theatre’s exceptional historic stage machinery
• Final-day explorations into the forgotten world of opera-ballet in Britain, opera prompting, and gender in the German voice tradition

From scholars of 19th-century performance to cutting-edge reconstructions of lost technologies, Opera Unplugged celebrates opera not only as performance, but as craft, as culture, and as collaboration. 

“This is a rare opportunity to place Newcastle and our magnificent Grade I listed theatre at the heart of international opera dialogue,” says Conference Curator Dr. David Wilmore. “We’re uniting scholars, designers, technicians, and musicians in a truly interdisciplinary celebration of operatic heritage.” 

Whether you’re a historian, performer, student, or simply an opera enthusiast, Opera Unplugged offers a dynamic and welcoming space to share, learn and be inspired. 

Tickets & Registration

Delegate places are limited and early booking is advised.

To view the full programme and book your place, visit www.tynetheatreandoperahouse.uk/operaunplugged.

Image: Photo by Carl Joyce