"Back on Track: How Lockdown Led to A New Operatic Version of The Railway Children"
When lockdown struck, it led to an unusual but welcome outcome for composer Mark-Anthony Turnage. It was during this period that he and his partner Rachael Hewer began working on a new operatic version of E Nesbit's classic novel, The Railway Children.
As the world around them descended into chaos, with daily briefings and soaring case numbers, the couple found themselves in a fortunate position. With no theatres to occupy their time, they turned their attention to the creative arts, and what emerged was a brand-new opera.
One of the driving forces behind this new project was nostalgia for the iconic 1970 film adaptation, starring Jenny Agutter and Sally Thomsett. Turnage has long been fascinated by this period of British history, which would eventually become the setting for his updated opera.
"Updating The Railway Children to reflect contemporary themes and characters," Turnage explains, "allowed us to tap into a timeless story while still being faithful to its original spirit."
The new opera boasts an Edwardian setting transformed into the 1980s, with a spy element added to keep things thrilling. One notable change is that mother becomes a much stronger character in this version.
When the project was finally presented to Glyndebourne's artistic director Stephen Langridge, it took some convincing to secure his support. However, after reviewing the full manuscript and the talented cast assembled for the production, he gave the green light for The Railway Children to be staged.
It has now been confirmed that Mark-Anthony Turnage will make his operatic debut as conductor on this very same stage, in what promises to be a groundbreaking performance of one of British literature's most beloved stories.
When lockdown struck, it led to an unusual but welcome outcome for composer Mark-Anthony Turnage. It was during this period that he and his partner Rachael Hewer began working on a new operatic version of E Nesbit's classic novel, The Railway Children.
As the world around them descended into chaos, with daily briefings and soaring case numbers, the couple found themselves in a fortunate position. With no theatres to occupy their time, they turned their attention to the creative arts, and what emerged was a brand-new opera.
One of the driving forces behind this new project was nostalgia for the iconic 1970 film adaptation, starring Jenny Agutter and Sally Thomsett. Turnage has long been fascinated by this period of British history, which would eventually become the setting for his updated opera.
"Updating The Railway Children to reflect contemporary themes and characters," Turnage explains, "allowed us to tap into a timeless story while still being faithful to its original spirit."
The new opera boasts an Edwardian setting transformed into the 1980s, with a spy element added to keep things thrilling. One notable change is that mother becomes a much stronger character in this version.
When the project was finally presented to Glyndebourne's artistic director Stephen Langridge, it took some convincing to secure his support. However, after reviewing the full manuscript and the talented cast assembled for the production, he gave the green light for The Railway Children to be staged.
It has now been confirmed that Mark-Anthony Turnage will make his operatic debut as conductor on this very same stage, in what promises to be a groundbreaking performance of one of British literature's most beloved stories.
! I mean, who needs theaters when you've got imagination and passion? The fact that the new opera has contemporary themes and strong female characters is like, totally on point 
. I'm not saying the 1970 film was bad or anything, but an updated version with a spy twist sounds like so much fun! 
I'm totally stoked about this new opera adaptation of The Railway Children 
. Adding a spy element to the classic story is pure genius 
- who wouldn't want to see a 1980s espionage thriller set against the backdrop of British history? 
And I love that mother becomes a stronger character in this version, it's about time we saw more powerful female roles on stage 
! Can't wait for Mark-Anthony Turnage to make his operatic debut as conductor - it's gonna be lit 
!
! I mean, who wouldn't want to see Mark-Anthony Turnage bring his unique sound to the classic story? I love how he's put a modern twist on it with the addition of a spy element - sounds like it's gonna be so intense 
The fact that they took inspiration from the 1970 film is cool, but I'm excited to see Turnage's own vision come to life on stage. Glyndebourne is gonna kill it with this production, can't wait to see the talented cast in action 
It's also cool that mother is getting more screen time in this adaptation, she's definitely an underrated character 
. Should artists be more mindful of their audience and the potential consequences of their work?
. Is it possible that we're undervaluing the impact that opera and theatre can have on our culture?
. And I love how they're updating the story to fit contemporary themes – it's all about keeping that timeless feel while still making it relevant 
just read about the new operatic version of The Railway Children and I'm SO down for it! 
I'm so down for an updated opy version of The Railway Children!!! 
The fact that Turnage will be making his operatic debut as conductor at Glyndebourne Opera House is super exciting! I'm definitely looking forward to witnessing this groundbreaking production. 
I'm all about Mark-Anthony Turnage's new operatic debut, can't wait to see him bring this masterpiece to life on stage! 
, bringing a fresh spin to E Nesbit's classic novel.
and added a spy element to keep things exciting 