Seems odd the perfect combination between Devizes’ only theatre, The Wharf, and one of the longest-running performance group, White Horse Opera hasn’t linked before, but they are set to do so in March with a performance of Jacques Offenbach’s Opéra bouffe, La Belle Hélène…..
Okay, this is not exactly true. Barbara Gompels of the White Horse Opera told us many years ago there was a one night show at the Wharf with the opera’s touring show, but this will be the first main opera held at our wonderful theatre here in Devizes, so I’m not totally fibbing!
La Belle Hélène is a comic opera in three acts parodying the story of Helen of Troy’s elopement with Paris, which evoked the Trojan War. The premiere at Paris’s Théâtre des Variétés in 1864 rekindled Offenbach’s operas with his audience, after six years attempting to emulate his success with the risqué satire of Greek mythology, Orphée aux Enfers.
Having been promised the most beautiful woman in the world by Venus, Paris arrives disguised as a shepherd boy with the aim of cashing in that promise. Helene, currently married to Menelaus, wards off his advances. However, when Paris comes to her while she is sleeping she believes it all to be in her dreams so it must therefore “be all fine.”
Do come and see the fireworks that ensue when Menelaus comes home early and discovers the lovers!
Fully staged and sung in English with an orchestra, tickets are now available, and the show runs from Tuesday 11th until Saturday 15th March.
Tickets from Devizes Books and hwww.ticketsource.co.uk/whitehorseopera
Trending….
Doctor Faustus Sells His Soul…. in Devizes!
Featured Image:@jenimeadephotography Just another rainy Saturday afternoon in Devizes, whereby I watched a profound fellow dramatically sacrifice himself to the devil, then popped to Morrisons…
Keep reading
Devizes Sammi Evans in the Shadow of a Debut Single
Being a singer in a tribute or covers band is nerve-wracking. Though tributes can hide behind a mask, a cover band frontperson can be reassured…
Keep reading
Chandra Finds Heaven on Earth
Usually I just write what I think, but if I had a point-scoring system this new single from Bristol-based indie-pop outfit Chandra would tick every…
Keep reading
Peter Gabriel to Release Live at Womad Album
Peter Gabriel – ‘Live At WOMAD 1982’ will be released on 8th May 2026. It was a simple idea; to create a festival out of…
Keep reading
Fulltone ‘26 to Ignite Wiltshire with an Epic Weekend of Live Music
Now in its seventh year, and at its new and better venue, Park Farm on the edge of Devizes, it’s full steam ahead for The…
Keep reading
Stone Circle Music Events to Donate all Proceeds of CrownFest to Wiltshire Hope and Harmony
Stone Circle Music Events announced today that all proceeds of CrownFest will be donated to Wiltshire Hope & Harmony’s Dementia Choir. CrownFest is an all-day…
Keep reading
Sketchbook Records Release Chasing Dolls EP
Out of my comfort zone on this one; being aging punk-ish, emo is a subgenre post my better days. Though the ever-reliable Wikipedia suggests, as…
Keep reading
Early Bird Tickets go on Sale for Park Farm Music Festival in Devizes
If Devizes Scooter Rally has already established its base at Whistley Road’s Park Farm and Full-Tone are moving to these new pastures, last year the…
Keep reading
Devizes Issues Wants You!
Dubiously biased and ruled with an iron fist, the mighty admin of the once popular Devizes Facebook group, Devizes Issues, is using the iconic Great…
Keep reading
Who Broke into Joyrobber’s Car?!
Poor Joyrobber, got his car broken into, on his birthday too, but avenged them in song! Requiem for my Car Window is this mysterious character’s…
Keep reading
devizine.com 
One thought on “La Belle Hélène; White Horse Opera’s Debut at The Wharf Theatre”