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….
Former Lavington School Students Reunite for Cancer Research’s Race for Life
They might appear like sticks of broccoli on their featured image, with no logical explanation as to why, but they actually are two former students…
Keep reading
No Election Here; What Did Wiltshire Councillors Do on Election Day?!
No jumping bandwagon election articles from us this week; we’ve had no election here, move along if that’s what you came here looking for! But,…
Keep reading
M3G, De-Anchored
At the end of last year Chippenham singer-songwriter M3G released the single Rooks. I felt it set her bar at a whole new higher level.…
Keep reading
The UK’s Biggest Festival…. at Trowbridge’s Pump?
Yes, you did read this correctly! As lovely as our premier grassroots venue, The Pump in Trowbridge is, you might be stretched to imagine it…
Keep reading
Riotous Cult Comedy Bullshot Crummond Comes to Bath in Support of Men’s Mental Health Charity
The Rondo Theatre in Bath will be bursting with high-energy chaos this June as The Rondo Theatre Company presents Bullshot Crummond, a gloriously silly parody…
Keep reading
Preaching at The Pulpit – Mark Harrison at The Pulpit, Swindon May 6th 2026
By Ian Diddams Images by Ed Dyke Is he a musician? Is he a raconteur? Is he a comedian? Well – he is all of…
Keep reading
Ready for RowdeFest?
Not long now, for Rowdefest! Which, as the name suggests, is in Rowde, near Devizes, on Saturday 30th May, and is a free, community spirited…
Keep reading
Nothing Orange; Arts Festival Brings Home Devizes Phenomenon
Four years ago I witnessed a Gen Z phenomenon in Devizes. With a certain indie punk zest and intelligent songwriting, Devizes School band Nothing Rhymes…
Keep reading
Shrink Your Head; Controversial Faith Healing Lecture in Devizes?!
Spiritual doctor, El Souessi, a prominent speaker for the Bruno Groening Circle of Friends, is coming to Devizes’ Wyvern Club on the 10th May to…
Keep reading
Voting Now Open for Wiltshire Music Awards
Your Vote, Your Voice, Your Future, goes the slogan to encourage the public to side with a particular political party based on lies they each…
Keep reading
devizine.com 
One thought on “La Belle Hélène; White Horse Opera’s Debut at The Wharf Theatre”