2025 has been a year of extraordinary creativity, one that has seen our Reinventions programme truly take flight. We are immensely proud of the artists we have worked with and the people we have connected with — here in Southampton, in spaces and places across the country, and internationally.  As 2025 comes to a close, we reflect on our 6 top moments…

Introducing our blog series, Gianni Speaky - where we introduce you to members of the creative team, cast and crew and give you a look behind the scenes for our latest production, Gianni Schicchi (or Where There’s A Will).  First up, we have Ri Baroche, Writer, Performer and Theatre Maker commissioned for Gianni Schicchi (or Where There's A Will) to write a new overture…

A new trade body representing the UK’s opera sector – UK Opera Association (UKOA) – launched recently, bringing together an initial group of 20 opera companies to strengthen the future of opera and ensure the art form continues to thrive across the country.

Hot on the heels of the final curtain call for OperaCocktail in 2025, OperaUpClose are thrilled to see our next major production; Gianni Schicchi (or Where There’s A Will) begin to come to life.  Friday 12th September, at Rambert Studios on London’s Southbank, saw cast and creatives come together for a first read-through of Vahan Salorian and Hannah Kumari’s new score marking a significant milestone in the creative development of this work…

We are excited to announce that Steve Phillips will join the OperaUpClose team in September as Interim Executive Producer, covering maternity leave for Executive Producer and Deputy CEO, Ally Rosser.

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