Chester Town Hall to transform into Paris Ballroom this summer

Chester Town Hall will take on a Parisian air in June for an opera society’s sizzling summer show.

The main Assembly Room will be transformed into a Balkan embassy in the French capital for Chester Operatic Society’s latest production - Lehar’s operetta The Merry Widow.

The eponymous role of The Merry Widow (Anna Glavari) will be played by Louise Ellinson, from Neston, a concert soloist who has sung with ensembles across the North West including Liverpool Welsh Choral, Liverpool Mozart Orchestra and the Royal School of Church Music.  Louise also directs the University of Liverpool Chamber and UNIty Choirs and is part of the Hallé’s Workplace Choir conducting team.

Performed virtually in the round with cabaret-style tables, the ritzy, glitzy production will take the audience back to the optimistic, prosperous and innovative Belle Epoque of the early 20th century.

Directed by Juliet Miles and Ann Marie McMahon, The Merry Widow will be performed from Thursday, June 19 to Saturday June 21 at 7.30pm with an additional matinee at 2pm on the Saturday.

Ann Marie said:

“The action opens at an embassy ball in Paris with our Merry Widow as the guest of honour.  Having recently inherited a huge fortune from her late husband, she is the belle of the ball for obvious reasons!  What ensues is a good old fashioned light-hearted romp as everyone tries to get their hands on her money.”

High kicks will be provided by dancers from AMT Productions, choreographed by Abigail Bradbury, who will join the cast as the Grisettes. They will entertain guests at a Club Maxim-themed party with the energetic can can.

Chair William Shaw added:

“The Town Hall is a perfect setting for a sumptuous ballroom and the show will bring some real summer sunshine. 

“As our cast will all be dressed up in tuxedos and ball gowns, why not join in the fun and make it a ‘proper’ night out for friends and family.”

Tickets for The Merry Widow are available from: 

www.ticketsource.co.uk/chesteroperatic

Pictured - Louise Ellinson will play The Merry Widow in Chester Operatic Society's upcoming production of The Merry Widow in June.