Opera North bring passion and power to Salford: La bohème & Susanna take to Lowry’s Stage this November

Lowry’s partner company, Opera North, returns to Salford this November with two extraordinary operatic productions.

From Wednesday 12 to Saturday 15 November, Puccini’s timeless masterpiece La bohème takes centre stage. This critically acclaimed production, originally developed by Phyllida Lloyd (director of Mamma Mia!), is the perfect introduction to opera. Set in 1950s Paris and framed like a series of Polaroid memories, it tells a poignant story of youthful love, friendship, and heartbreak. With unforgettable music and a universally relatable narrative, it’s a must-see for both first-time opera-goers and seasoned fans.

On Friday 14 November, Opera North joins forces with Phoenix Dance Theatre to present Handel’s Susanna, a bold and contemporary reimagining of a lesser-known work. Directed by Olivia Fuchs and choreographed by Marcus Jarrell Willis, this fourth collaboration between the two companies explores themes of gender, power, and truth through a compelling fusion of opera and dance. Featuring a gender-fluid portrayal of the character Daniel and creatively integrated British Sign Language, Susanna is a thought-provoking and inclusive performance that resonates with today’s audiences.

Also part of Opera North’s autumn season at Lowry is The Big Opera Mystery, a fast-paced, interactive family show perfect for children aged 5–12. Taking place at 12pm on Saturday 15 November, this musical whodunnit invites young audiences to solve a mystery alongside some of opera’s greatest characters, with live music from the Orchestra of Opera North. Sung in English and lasting just 50 minutes, it’s an ideal first encounter with opera for budding detectives and music lovers alike.

La bohème plays at The Lowry Wednesday 12 to Saturday 15 November and Susanna plays at The Lowry Friday 14 November. Tickets are available here.