Beethoven’s Fidelio on the Torch Screen

The Torch Theatre will be one of several cinemas in the world to broadcast Beethoven’s Fidelio live from the Met stage this March. With a star cast, Fidelio’s unusual structure, glorious score, and life-affirming aura, will make your Torch visit a unique experience.

Over the years, Fidelio has been called a hymn to freedom and human dignity. Formally a singspiel (with musical numbers separated by spoken dialogue), Fidelio had a long and complex gestation. Its uplifting spirit made it the obvious choice for several important productions marking the end of World War II, including the reopening of the Vienna State Opera in 1955.

Fast forward to 2025 and the opera is still as popular and entertaining as ever. Set in Seville towards the end of the 18th century, during the time of political upheaval following the French Revolution, the Met’s production places the action in an unspecified contemporary setting.

Norwegian soprano Lise Davidsen returns to the Metropolitan Opera as Leonore, the faithful wife who risks everything to save her husband from the clutches of tyranny.

Completing the distinguished cast is British tenor David Butt Philip as the political prisoner Florestan, Polish bass-baritone Tomasz Konieczny as the villainous Don Pizarro, veteran German bass René Pape as the jailer Rocco, Chinese soprano Ying Fang and German tenor Magnus Dietrich as the young Marzelline and Jaquino, and Danish bass Stephen Milling as the principled Don Fernando. Susanna Mälkki conducts the March 15 performance, which will be broadcast live from the Met stage to cinemas worldwide.

Beethoven’s Fidelio can be seen on the Torch Theatre screen on Saturday 15 March at 5pm. Tickets are £20 / £18 concessions / £9 for those Under 26. Visit the website for further details www.torchtheatre.co.uk / phone the Box Office on (01646) 695267 or click here.