OperaUpClose

27/08/2026

🎭 CASTING CALL – DOUBLE BASS / HERMIT CRAB 🦀🎻

OperaUpClose is casting a playful, imaginative double bassist for Flotsam — a brand-new opera for very young children, based on David Wiesner’s much-loved picture book, with new music and words by award-winning composer Dr Kerry Andrew.

We’re looking for a performer who can move confidently, improvise, sing and play, with all company members also using simple handheld percussion.

📍 London rehearsals & tech: October 2026
🎭 Tour: 24 October – 15 November 2026

✨ Find out more and apply: [email protected]

25/08/2026

Our upcoming UK tour of Flotsam is created in partnership with Half Moon Young People's Theatre, so we took a moment to chat to their Artistic Director and Joint Chief Executive Officer, Bradley Travis on all things Flotsam 🐟🌊🎭

Our upcoming touring production of Flotsam is created in partnership with Half Moon Theatre, so we took a moment to chat to Artistic Director and Joint Chief Executive Officer of Half Moon Theatre, Bradley Travis on all things Flotsam.

30/07/2026

Brand-new opera for young children, Flotsam, is set to make a splash at a venue near you this October and November! 🌊🐟🎭 Here is a sneak preview behind the scenes of our first playthrough and rehearsal earlier this month. 🤗

It was a beautiful day for everyone and incredibly exciting to see this stunning reimagining of David Wiesner's picture book, Flotsam, come to life in words and music by Kerry Andrew 🎼

In partnership with Half Moon Young People's Theatre Flotsam has been a long time in the making, so we can't wait to witness the magic as many children—and perhaps some of their parents and teachers—experience opera for the first time on our UK Tour! 🤩🎶🦀

🎟 Tickets are now on sale for all 11 venues on our UK tour (click the button to learn more and book now) 👇

▶️ You can also watch the full playthrough trailer on YouTube at https://youtu.be/KCQ7f-eeClk?si=fw-1l9SzFJAuF0lS

24 Oct-15 Nov 🗓 Flotsam will be coming to Southampton, Lichfield, Gainsborough, Norwich, Luton, South London, East London, Milton Keynes, Bath, West London and North London.

See you there 🥳

23/07/2026

We are delighted to announce that tickets are now on sale for all venues on our UK Tour of Flotsam in Oct/Nov 🗓.

A new opera for young children inspired by David Wiesner's picture book Flotsam, brought to life in words and music by composer/librettist Kerry Andrew 🎶🎼🐟

We look forward to sharing more footage behind the scenes in rehearsals very soon. In the meantime you can get your tickets via our website (link in comments) 🎟

We will be coming to Southampton, Lichfield, Gainsborough, Norwich, Luton, South London, East London, Milton Keynes, Bath, West London and North London - quite the adventure 🌊🔎🐚⛵️

David Wiesner’s much-loved picture book, Flotsam, will be brought to life in words and music, in partnership with Half Moon Theatre, reaching young children and their families across the UK. Building on our reputation for creating “spell-binding, magical, inventive theatre for children and their...

10/07/2026

We're very pleased to share that our Executive Producer, Ally, is gradually transitioning back to work after maternity leave - Steve did an excellent job at keeping your seat warm 👏 but it's great to have you back Ally! 😃🥳🌞

07/07/2026

JOB OPPORTUNITY 📢 At OperaUpClose we are looking for a freelance creative professional to join our team as the Props and Costume Supervisor for our new production of Flotsam which will premiere at Mayflower Studios, with rehearsals and tour beginning October 2026 🎭🧥👗🐡

As part of our commitment to developing talent, we are looking for an Early Career Associate who is within the first five years of their practice.

Please follow the link in comments to learn more and download the job pack. Deadline for applications is 12pm Mon 20th July 📆

23/06/2026

UK Tour incoming 🎶🐟 Many of the venue tickets are now on sale for our upcoming Oct/Nov tour of Flotsam - A new opera for young children 🎼🌊

David Wiesner’s magical picture book adapted and brought to life in words and music by award-winning composer and writer Kerry Andrew.

You can learn more and book tickets for many of the venues now via our website now. Follow us for further ticket release updates 📢

29/05/2026

Introducing the cast of Flotsam 🐟🌊🤩 We look forward to this talented ensemble bringing David Wiesner's magical picture book to life in Kerry Andrew's words and music.

Catch them on tour in October/November - not to be missed! Learn more on our website at operaupclose.com/flotsam-opera 🎼

26/05/2026

Flotsam comes ashore for a UK Tour! 🥳We are so excited to launch all things Flotsam, our new opera for young children touring the UK later this year. Watch the trailer here then head to our website for cast announcements, dates and venues at operaupclose.com/flotsam-opera 🎭🎶