A trio of thrilling treats from Opera North this Halloween and beyond

As the ghosts and ghouls gather round, Opera North is offering some spooky goings-on in the heart of Leeds to celebrate Halloween and the darker months.

On the day itself, there is an opportunity to experience Hitchcock’s classic thriller Psycho as never before, with a screening at 7.30pm in Leeds Grand Theatre accompanied by the Orchestra of Opera North conducted by George Morton.

The film tells the story of Marion Crane (played by Janet Leigh), a woman on the run who takes shelter from a storm at the remote Bates Motel. What follows is a superbly crafted descent into tension, secrets and terror that has captivated audiences for over six decades. As the suspense mounts on the big screen, Bernard Herrmann’s chilling music adds to the growing tension. So effective is it that the soundtrack is listed among the American Film Institute’s Top 5 Greatest Film Scores of All Time, with Hitchcock himself later admitting that: ‘33% of the effect of Psycho was due to the music’. Performed by Opera North’s orchestral players, it becomes an even more spine-tingling experience, particularly during the iconic shower scene.

Should a stiff drink be required to steady the nerves, the newly reopened Kino Bar will be entering into the spirit of the evening on Friday 31 October with a Halloween Party. The bar will stay open until late to give people the chance to while away the evening in the company of the resident DJ or to relax with a drink both before and after the film showing. 

Tony Green, General Manager, said, “The bar will be decorated with some suitably scary props from Opera North’s incredible store, where all the amazing items from previous opera productions are kept for future use. I’ve found some great pieces to set the scene on this, the spookiest night of the year. Everyone is invited to join in the fun by wearing fancy dress – or they’re welcome to come along and people watch instead!”

Fast forward to Saturday 15 November and Opera North and Shadwell Opera join forces in the Howard Assembly Room for the world premiere of The Devil’s Den, a striking new hour-long work from Isabella Gellis. Rooted in English folklore, the opera follows a child, a rabbit, a devil and a druid, all mysteriously connected to an ancient burial chamber. For the first time in an opera, there will be Morris dancing threaded throughout the drama, bringing an element of exuberant ritual to the proceedings. Directed by Shadwell founder Jack Furness and conducted by Artistic Director Finnegan Downie Dear, the cast includes Jennifer France, Lotte Betts-Dean, Nicholas Morris and Ossian Huskinson. Joining them will be the Morris dancers from Sheffield City Morris who will bring their unique blend of village tradition and urban grit to the stage. Between the two performances at 3pm and 6pm, a half-hour Q&A will be held in Kino with the composer and Shadwell Opera’s creative team.

Psycho plays at Leeds Grand Theatre Friday 31 October. Tickets are available here.