Re-Wire 2026
Through four sold-out shows from 27-30 April 2026, we took over a Digbeth nightclub and brought audiences from across the UK straight into Birmingham's opera scene. RE-WIRE was the world premiere of six brand new mini-operas by a team of 24 emerging artists, curated by international opera director Melly Still. Encouraging us to ditch the digital and build human connection, seven up-and-coming composers and librettists (commissioned through the Brum Commissions programme) told us six stories of Birmingham across three stages.
RE-WIRE received a 99% approval rating from audiences, national press coverage, and has a film coming later this year - watch this space.
What audiences said:
"First time at an opera and I loved it"
"Didn't really know what to expect; I was blown away by the talent"
"I've been bitten by the opera bug, well done!"
"I got lost in it completely - I loved it."
"Sitting in a warehouse in the back of Birmingham watching an incredible performance. I loved every minute. Everyone looked and sounded beautiful. Mind blown!"
Mothers
1960s. Above a furniture shop - history was being made in Erdington in "Best Little Rock Club in the World" by America's Billboard magazine. From Black Sabbath to Pink Floyd, this legendary club shaped a generation.
Words and Music Aidan Teplitzky
Director Harriet Taylor
Soloist Joseph Doody
Birmingham Opera Company Instrumentalists, Chorus and Actors
The Quiet Rebellion Continues
One voice emerges from the chaos to stand up and cut through the noise. If you had one chance to be the voice of Birmingham, what would you say that needs to be heard?
Words and Music Romarna Campbell
Director Harriet Taylor
Movement Director Helen Calcutt
Soloist Lea Shaw
Birmingham Opera Company Instrumentalists, Dancers and Actors
From Mumsnet With Love
School run. Packed lunch. MI6?
A mum stumbles across a spy job online… and things escalate quickly.
Words and Music Georgia Barnes
Director Lucy Bird
Soloist Georgia Mae Bishop
Cause and Effect
Meet The Pedlars, a First World War troupe inviting you to join the ranks. Reminiscent of the war time spirit but all is not as cheerful as it might seem.
Words and Music Franki Dodwell
Director Lucy Bird
Soloist Themba Mvula
Birmingham Opera Company Instrumentalists and Chorus
Absent Fathers
Wouldn’t it be nice to be normal?
Real voices. No filter. Love, loss, anger; and everything left unsaid about the fathers who shaped us, or didn’t.
Words and Music Leon Clowes
Director Finn Lacey
Soloist Rosalind Dobson
Birmingham Opera Company Instrumentalists and Actors
Electric
One last shift at the UK’s oldest working cinema?
Music Aaron Nihal King
Words by Sam Norman
Director Finn Lacey
Soloist Robert Forrest
Birmingham Opera Company Instrumentalists, Chorus and Actors
Running time: approx. 1.5 hours (no interval)
Performances took place in Forum Digbeth 68 Glover St, Birmingham B9 4EL, in April 2026.
Creative Team
Curator Melly Still
Creative Director Jonny Danciger
Project Music Director Harry Lai
Chorus Director Mariana Rosas
Assistant Chorus Director Emma Baker
Musicians
Piano David Eaton
Percussion Iris van den Bos
Percussion Alex Henshaw
Drums Ishara Andrews
Electric Guitar Yue Miyagi
Cello Gen Li
Chorus Mentors
Katherine McIndoe
Jade Mclellan
Sam Leggett
Lucas Byng
Benson Wilson
Alongside the awesome Birmingham Opera Company Chorus, Dancers and Actors
Photos
Adam Fradgley