Homegrown talent takes centre stage as iconic opera returns to the Lowry

Imagine visiting The Lowry countless times to watch a variety of performances, training tirelessly to become a performer, and then returning to star in Opera North’s The Magic Flute—right where it all started.

That’s the story of Manchester-born opera singer Claire Lees. We caught up with Claire to talk about the show, performing at the iconic Salford venue, and her love for Manchester.

The Opera is for everyone but it’s not always perceived that way. Why would you tell a first-timer to come and see The Magic Flute?

I do believe that opera is for everyone. The stories are as relevant today as they were when they were written with all the things we might see on TV programmes like Coronation Street: love, romance, betrayal, revenge, flings, friendships and

ALL the family dynamics. This is very much what you will see in The Magic Flute which is a story of overcoming obstacles and coming through hard times with the help of friends and love.

Not only that but it’s also got some incredible music, catchy tunes, really cool projections and sound effects.

It’s definitely got something for all the family. In fact, if you’ve not been to an opera before, then this is the one for you!

You are playing one of the principal roles in Salford and you come from Manchester. How proud do you feel coming home to perform in such a well-known venue as the Lowry?

I feel so incredibly proud. It’s taken a lot of hard work and dedication to get here but it feels like a real full-circle moment for me.

I studied Theatre Studies at A level and would often come to Lowry on school trips, so now to be performing there myself feels extra special.

I was an avid member of the Rochdale Music Service and was really nurtured and encouraged to pursue my love for music.

I wouldn’t be here today without all the great teachers that encouraged me.

What do you miss about Manchester?

My family are still there and I don’t live too far away, so I don’t really get the chance to miss it!

I do love Hollingworth Lake and sometimes join my family on their Sunday morning walks around Ogden Reservoir.

Tell us a bit about your character.

I’m playing the character Pamina.

She’s the daughter of the Queen of the Night (she has the famous high aria!) and has been kidnapped by Sarastro.

Her mum sends Tamino to rescue her (he instantly falls in love with her) and then a load of crazy events unfold; monsters, magic flutes, bells, to name just a few.

Pamina is the heroine of the opera and the catalyst for change in the story.

What is it like to perform in an opera compared with another type of show?

The only thing that’s different is the fact that there isn’t any amplification; it’s the sound of the natural human voice.

Also, operas are accompanied by a live orchestra as opposed to electronic instruments and backing tracks.

Opera North have both a full-time chorus and orchestra that add to the amazing sound.

This adds an extra special element to performing in an opera – and for the audience too!

What can audiences expect from this night at the Opera?

An evening of great entertainment! It’s got some of Mozart’s best tunes, including possibly his most famous, the song of the Queen of the Night!

You’ll laugh, cry and be transported to the weird and wonderful world of The Magic Flute!

Tickets for Opera North’s the Magic Flute at the Lowry 

Opera North’s The Magic Flute is at the Lowry from 15th – 16th November and it can be booked here