The Marriage of Figaro: Oxford Opera Company returns to Oxford Playhouse with a young cast including Hugo Herman-Wilson in title role & role debuts from Jack Holton & Rachel Spiers

Following their successful production of Puccini’s Tosca last year (with Marlena Devoe, Sam Furness and Philip Rhodes), director Katie Blackwell and conductor John Warner return to Oxford Opera Company for a new production of Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro at Oxford Playhouse on 9 and 10 October 2026. Founded by Stuart Pendred in 2017, the company has performed almost annually in the city since its debut (with Tosca) in 2018 and is the city’s first ever fully professional opera company.

The company’s aim is to feature the best UK-based professionals alongside providing opportunities to local young people to work in a professional production. Alongside their main-stage work, their continuing provision of education and outreach workshops is available to any and all in the county. The company’s new Youth Company provides opportunities for young people (in two age ranges, 8 to 12, and 13 to 16) every Saturday during term time, and this summer they ran a five-day summer camp, Mozart’s Magical Music for ages 8 to 14.

The Marriage of Figaro will be sung in English, in a new translation by George Robarts. The production features a fine young cast with Hugo Herman-Wilson (who recently made his Glyndebourne debut in Monteverdi’s L’Orfeo) and Rachel Spiers (in her role debut) as Figaro and Susanna, with Jack Holton (in his role debut) and Nikolett Mraz as the Count and Countess. 

Performances will feature Oxford Opera’s new Youth Company, and John Warner will be conducting the Oxford Opera Orchestra. During the run of The Marriage of Figaro, Oxford Opera Company will present a Family Matinee performance. This reduced version of the opera is the perfect introduction to the joys of the artform for young children and their families.