Local schoolboy Oliver Gill, 10, is set to return to the stage at Lighthouse, Poole’s centre for the arts, having landed a part in English Touring Opera’s production of Verdi’s Macbeth on Friday 31 May.
Oliver, a chorister at Christchurch Priory, who performed the iconic solo of The Snowman at Lighthouse with Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra in 2017, will play the small but pivotal role of Banquo’s son Fleance in Macbeth.
He also appeared in Dorset Opera’s production of La Boheme last year, singing a solo.
“I’m very excited about performing with English Touring Opera in Macbeth,” he says. “I enjoyed being part of a professional production with La Boheme last year and I’m also looking forward to performing at Poole Lighthouse again.”
Oliver, from Ringwood, goes to Durlston Court School at Barton-on-Sea and is studying for his Grade 4 singing exam, having achieved Distinction at Grade 3, as well as studying for his Grade 3 piano and learning viola. He takes singing lessons with Andrew Foan and sings with Christchurch Priory Choir where his piano teacher Simon Earl is Musical Director.
Oliver will join established operatic names from as far afield as Russia, Australia, India, the US, Armenia, as well as from around the UK on stage at Lighthouse.
With a large chorus and live orchestra, English Touring Opera presents a two-night season of kings and queens in the battle for love, loyalty and power at Lighthouse with a new production of Macbeth on Friday 31 May and Mozart’s Idomeneo on Saturday 1 June.
Macbeth is a blood-soaked retelling of Shakespeare’s classic tragedy; while Idomeneo follows the eponymous king returning from the Trojan War who promises the raging seas that he will sacrifice the first person he meets in return for safe passage home. Cruelly, the first person he encounters is his only son Idamante.
English Touring Opera will host pre-show talks for both productions.
For tickets are further information visit www.lighthousepoole.co.uk; or call 01202 280000.
