A Kensington-based opera is trying its luck in another London borough in a bid to break even.
This February, Opera Holland Park's Tosca production will move on tour to Richmond Theatre in an attempt to boost earnings. A document, produced by Kensington and Chelsea Council, said: "The overriding principle of this first project is to break even."
It is hoped the tour, costing £127,00, will generate £144,000 of income for the council. But the project 'is not without risk.' If the audience is only 81 per cent of the capacity, any profit would be wiped out.
The move has been billed as a test to see 'what is possible in the future' rather than a profit making opportunity. The report states that 'as a one off venture there is probably not a compelling financial case to take such a risk.'
But cabinet member for leisure services at Kensington and Chelsea Council, Cllr Nicholas Paget-Brown, said: "It's fantastic that our praised production of Tosca is the first Korn/Ferry Opera Holland Park production to go on tour. I wish them luck, and I'm sure it will be as successful in Richmond as it is in Holland Park."
The performances will run from February 24 to March 1 next year. The original summer cast of Amanda Echalaz as Tosca, Nicholas Garrett as Scarpia and Sean Ruane as Cavaradossi will perform three of the six dates, with a guest cast for the remainder.
The production will be directed by Stephen Barlow and designed by Yannis Thavoris. Music will be performed by The City of London Sinfonia, the companyÕs resident orchestra, conducted by Philip Thomas.
For tickets contact Richmond Theatre box office on 0870 060 6651 from mid November. For further information on Korn/Ferry Opera Holland Park visit www.operahollandpark.com .
