Carmen – fiery, daring and uncompromising – meets José, a soldier with a past…

In a new interpretation of this famous classic, Rogue Opera brings Carmen to life for a modern audience, sung in French with a new English script. Rogue Opera’s four singers and amazing pianist deliver a show with all of the well-known music and drama in an engaging and original format. As the story unfolds, we follow the four main protagonists; Carmen, Josè, Escamillo and Micaëla, along with Captain Moralès, and the gypsies Frasquita and Dancaïre. The characters share their motivations and inner thoughts with the audience, bringing a fresh perspective and making it a fantastic experience for both opera connoisseurs and newcomers alike.

Carmen lives a bohemian life, seeking freedom outside of the law. José, drawn to Carmen and this unconventional world, is torn between love, duty and honour. Micaëla, the loyal and pious village girl, finds strength and courage as she tries to bring Josè back from his outlaw’s life. The charismatic bullfighter Escamillo is infatuated with Carmen, recognising a kindred spirit, while Moralès, the captain, embodies everything that the gypsies, Frasquita and Dancaire are not. Set against some of the most recognisable music in opera, Carmen is a serious and still-relevant examination of the restrictions of societal stereotypes, obsessive love and the struggle of a spirited woman striving for independence and choice.

Book your tickets and join us for an enchanting evening of opera in our garden.

You’ll find the magnificent Hare and Hounds Hotel set within acres of beautiful gardens and woodland in the heart of Westonbirt, near Tetbury. With a mellow Cotswold stone façade and neighbours including the National Arboretum and Royal Highgrove Estate; The Hare and Hounds Hotel boasts a setting to remember for your big day.

From delicious food and drink menus, a collection of dreamy bedrooms to indulge the before and after, not forgetting a choice of rooms for the ceremony itself, we can help you plan the perfect day. So relax, forget about your worries, allow us to pour you a glass of fizz or two and let’s organise and celebrate the best day of your life, together.