A NEW OPERA PERFORMED BY RBO YOUTH COMPANY

12-13 JULY 2025 IN THE LINBURY THEATRE

In a town where children are sent to become model citizens, everything is pristine, ordered and efficient. Life is perfect under the watchful eyes of the town’s Council and their revered Leader – and if the endless rules ever feel a bit exhausting, people can discreetly throw a coin into the old well in the town’s park and, for a moment, dream of a different life. Not that those wishes would ever come true of course! Why would anything need to change in such a perfect place? 

In 2022 the Royal Ballet and Opera launched an open call for new operas aimed at younger audiences . After an initial shortlisting, the Youth Opera Company were asked to select the three pitches which they wanted to see developed. From this shortlist the company selected The Wish Thief to develop into a full-length performance and have been collaborating with the creative team in bringing this magical show to stage. Placing the Youth Opera Company at the centre of this process underscores the RBO’s commitment to collaborating with young people on projects that amplify their voices and reflect the stories they want to share.

Creatives

Music by Leighton Jones

Libretto by Jonathan Ainscough and Leighton Jones

Orchestrations by Matthew Owens and Leighton Jones

Musical Director Patrick Barrett Director Victoria Briggs

Designer Rachel Baynton Creative Captioner Ben Glover

Lighting Designer Peter Harrison

It all started when…

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