Update:
Due to current COVID restrictions impacting rehearsal times, the performances on July 29 and 31 have been cancelled. Currently, the August 3 and 5 performances are on pause, until they have a better idea on whether the lockdown will be extended. TICKETEK will be in touch with current ticket holders to give out refunds. In the meantime, thanks to donor support, they will film The Enchanted Pig to be broadcast or streamed at a later date.
Donations are welcome of any size and you can do that here.
Be enchanted by this dazzling show
Despite being knocked back by COVID restrictions, the theatre scene in Melbourne is alive and thriving. And it’s no wonder – Melbourne is the cultural capital of Australia after all. But, have you considered the opera? The Australian Contemporary Opera Co (ACOCo) is returning to the spotlight, and they want you to come along. See their musical tale, The Enchanted Pig, at the Athenaeum Theatre this winter. The Enchanted Pig will be on stage on Thursday July 29, Saturday July 31, Tuesday August 3 and Thursday August 5.
The Enchanted Pig
Curious about the opera? “The Enchanted Pig is an ideal introduction to opera – at any age,” says Linda Thompson, Revival Director and ACOCo’s Artistic Director. This heart-warming show was widely acclaimed in London and New York, and is reminiscent of stories like The Princess Bride, Beauty and the Beast and Cinderella.
The Enchanted Pig follows the story of a young princess, Flora, and her two sisters. Their father warns them not to enter a secret room that contains the Book of Fate. The girls disobey him, read the book and, as fate would decree, Flora will one day marry a pig. Adventure ensues.
Suitable for all ages, this opera was based on Romanian and Norwegian folktales. It blends opera with theatre, music and vaudeville in a celebration of love. The score, by Jonathan Dove, incorporates the styles of opera, jazz, classical and musical theatre. Directed by Gale Edwards, this show features a talented cast from Australia and New Zealand.
Need a free ticket?
Let’s be real. When you think of the opera, it seems like something from long ago, or something for the upper class right?
Well, in order to make the opera more accessible, ACOCo is giving away free tickets to The Enchanted Pig, thanks to the Eric Ormond Baker U25 Ticket Initiative. For a younger crowd, The Enchanted Pig is the perfect way to get into opera. Up to 100 tickets per performance will be given away to those under 25.
“Removing the cost barrier to opera for U25s, especially after the challenge of lockdowns, reduced incomes and limited live theatre experiences this last year, seemed like a good idea to us,” said Thompson.
On top of that, there is also an online ballot to give away two free U25 tickets with the purchase of an adult or concession ticket.
This free ticket initiative ends on Monday July 12 so you better get in quick!
Learn more about the initiative here.Key info
Dates for The Enchanted Pig are as follows:
- Thursday July 29, 7.30pm – 9.40pm
- Saturday July 31, 3pm – 5.10pm
- Tuesday August 3, 7.30pm – 9.40pm
- Thursday August 5, 7.30pm – 9.30pm
Tickets are:
- $100 Adults
- $80 Concession
- $40 Junior (5-15years)
- $80 Groups 10 or more
- Plus booking & transaction charges
Find The Enchanted Pig at The Athenaeum Theatre at 188 Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000.