Rufus Wainwright was the star guest at the world premiere of his French-language opera debut ‘Prima Donna‘ at Manchester’s Palace Theatre last night (July 10).
Dressed as Verdi, the singer made several appearances on the red carpet before the taking a seat in the stalls, surrounded by family and friends, including sister Martha Wainwright, Kate McGarrigle, Anne McGarrigle, Teddy Thompson and Neil Hannon.
The Canadian singer-songwriter’s first attempt at creating an opera tells the story of one day in the life of a fading Parisian opera singer, partially inspired by Maria Callas, and was produced with help from the ambitious Opera North company. It was an ambitious opera with a haunting score, and the singer joined the cast for the curtain call at the end of the show, receiving raptuous applause.
The bi-annual Manchester International Festival saw the world premiere of the Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlett’s stage show collaboration Monkey: Journey To The West in 2007. Monkey has gone on to tour the country, with an extended run at London’s O2 venue.
Prima Donna is set to run until July 19 at Manchester’s Palace Theatre. Shows are also then set take place in London, Toronto and Melbourne. Dates to be announced.
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Pic credit: Farah Ishaq