5 Minutes With: Alex Banfield, Opera North

Alex Banfield is a full-time member of the Opera North chorus. See him in all three Opera North productions (Madama Butterfly, Don Giovanni and Un Ballo in Maschera) at the Theatre Royal this season.

First time in the Toon?

I’m from the nearby town of Morpeth, so definitely not. I love the Toon!

Have you brought your coat?

What’s a coat? I'm going sunbathing.

Best Tyneside moment?

I was singing in a vocal quartet in the main hall of the Castle Keep, lit entirely by candles. It was magical. And during rehearsals we got up onto the roof. There are some great views available to anyone who goes to visit.

Favourite Geordie?

It’s nerdy but I love anything to do with the Industrial Revolution and Newcastle is a key part of it, so Lord Armstrong is a definite favourite of mine (especially for Cragside and Jesmond Dene). Second choice, Ser Davos from Game of Thrones!

What would you be doing if you weren’t here now?

If I‘m not at home rehearsing in Leeds rehearsing new shows for the next tour, I’d be over in Leipzig, Germany visiting my girlfriend who is a soloist at the Opera House there.

Fun fact?

Three years ago, at age 24, I was the youngest member of the Opera North chorus to be accepted in ten years! Also, little known fact about Newcastle, it’s actually the driest city in the UK believe it or not, as it’s in the rain shadow of the North Pennines.

theatreroyal.co.uk