LAYER MARNEY TOWER
The Essex Summer Opera Festival
Eugene Onegin & The Elixir of Love
17 - 22 June 2025
Welcome to the only dedicated summer opera festival in East Anglia.
Our productions have compelling storytelling and exceptional musicianship that everyone can enjoy.
callout for young people
Front of House Volunteers
If you would be interested in volunteering (or volunteering a relative!), we are looking for a group of young people to act as our Front of House team for the week. Please get in touch via the link below.
How to get to Layer Marney Tower
Layer Marney Tower, Essex C05 9US What3Words: lawns.full.views
Layer Marney Tower is between Colchester and Tiptree, one mile off the B1022 Colchester-Maldon Road. 6 miles from Colchester and 9 miles from Maldon. Parking is available for ticket holders.
It is a 45-minute train journey from London (Liverpool Street or Stratford) to Witham station. There will be a free transfer from Witham station to Layer Marney Tower. You will be able to pre-book places when you book your tickets.
Tuesday 17 June departs Witham 5pm and Layer Marney 10pm
Thursday 19 June departs Witham 3pm and Layer Marney 9pm
Saturday 21 June departs Witham 3pm and Layer Marney 9pm
Previous years – Season III, 2024
W. A. Mozart – The Magic Flute
A new production of Mozart’s The Magic Flute, directed by James Hurley.
Prince Tamino falls in love with Pamina, the kidnapped daughter of the Queen of the Night, and must rescue her. His fantastical journey will transform his understanding of this dream-like world of darkness and light...
Director James Hurley | Designer Sophie Lincoln
Noah Max & Carol Ann Duffy – Rapture
Wednesday 19 June
World premiere. Rapture is a song cycle by acclaimed young composer Noah Max, based on the 2005 collection by Carol Ann Duffy.
Created in collaboration with the Essex Book Festival.
W. A. Mozart – Clarinet Quintet in A Major
Saturday 22 June
Jernej Albreht performs Mozart's astonishing 1789 work alongside Sijie Chen, Will McGahon, Christine Anderson, and Leo Popplewell of the Wild Arts Ensemble.
J. S. Bach – Goldberg Variations (transcribed for String Trio by Dmitry Sitkovetsky)
Sunday 23 June
Sijie Chen (Violin), Christine Anderson (Viola), and Leo Popplewell (Cello), perform Bach's exquisite 1741 aria and variations in the beautiful Layer Marney Church, with profits to the Friends of the church.
SEASON I, Così fan Tutte 2022
SEASON II, The Elixir of Love 2023
SEASON II, The Elixir of Love 2023
A fine young cast excel, with engaging energy and superb singing.
★★★★ The Guardian
Musical Director Orlando Jopling
Director P Burton-Morgan
Translation Jeremy Sams
Designer Chantal Short
Cambridge University, 1972. Will bookish undergrads Ferrando and Guglielmo win their bet that their sweethearts will remain true?
SEASON II, The Elixir of Love 2023
SEASON II, The Elixir of Love 2023
SEASON II, The Elixir of Love 2023
This production shone, honouring all aspects of this miraculous score.
★★★★★ Opera Now
Musical Director Orlando Jopling
Director Guido Martin-Brandis
New translation Joseph Morris
Designer Sophie Lincoln
The Mediterranean seaside, 1950s. Film-star glamour upends village life, but will true love win out?
Fast selling shows
Our performances at the Minack Theatre, Opera Holland Park, Falconhurst (Kent), Wolterton Hall (Norfolk) and Forde Abbey (Dorset) are selling fast. Do book your seats soon to secure your tickets.