AN EMOTIONAL homecoming is on the bill for a singing star when he returns to Rugby Theatre, the scene of his stage debut, on Sunday (July 5).
Tom Bullard will sing the part of Figaro in Rossini’s spectacular opera The Barber of Seville at the Henry Street venue, where he first appeared in 1988 in the title role of popular musical Oliver!
The one-off show is being performed by the acclaimed Olivier-award winning company OperaUpClose as part of Rugby’s Festival of Culture.
Tom, who was once a member of the famous Swingle Singers and has performed at 10 Downing Street and The Ritz, said: “Opera is my real love and I’m very excited to be performing one of my favourite roles on the stage where I feel so ‘at home’.
“I still have lots of links back in Rugby, though I’ve lived in London for a number of years now.
“My family are still very much part of the Rugby Theatre, and my mother, Helen, regularly directs and acts in productions.
“I’m so looking forward to coming back to meet up with lots of old friends.
“I think the audience at Rugby Theatre will enjoy the intimacy of the piece – pared down to six excellent performers, sung in English and acted out in lively and innovative style, including audience involvement – in the lovely Henry Street setting.”
The Barber of Seville is just one of a number of shows being performed in and around the theatre as part of the Festival of Culture.
Caldecott Park will stage the third instalment of much-loved annual family show Story in the Park on Sunday (July 5), continuing the tale of Daddy Mouse and his intrepid daughter Maisie. Performances are at 2pm, 3pm and 4pm.
There’s a talk by historian and TV celebrity David Starkey on the Magna Carta on Friday, July 3, while the Festival closes on Sunday July 12 with a gala concert at the theatre at 7pm.
Visit www.rugbytheatre.co.uk or call 01788 541234 for tickets.
