Through four sold-out shows from 27th-30th 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

Jospeh Doody in front of the audience in Mothers. Credit: Adam Fradgley.

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

Lea Shaw and Birmingham Opera Company Dancers in The Quiet Rebellion Continues. Credit: Adam Fradgley.

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

Solo Lea Shaw

Birmingham Opera Company Instrumentalists, Dancers and Actors

FROM MUMSNET WITH LOVE

Georgia Mae Bishop in From Mumsnet With Love. Credit: Adam Fradgley.

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

Themba Mvula in Cause and Effect. Credit: Adam Fradgley.

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

Rosalind Dobson in Absent Fathers. Credit: Adam Fradgley.

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

Robert Forrest in Electric. Credit: Adam Fradgley.

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

RE-WIRE

Curator Melly Still

Creative Director Jonny Danciger

Project Music Director Harry Lai

Chorus Director Mariana Rosas

Assistant Chorus Director Emma Baker

Chorus Mentors Katherine McIndoe, Jade Mclellan, Sam Leggett, Lucas Byng, Benson Wilson

Photos Adam Fradgley

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Header image shows audiences arriving for RE-WIRE. Credit: Adam Fradgley.