OPERA ANYWHERE: Engelbert Humperdinck's opera Hansel and Gretel

Morning is shining her delicate light Slowly unfurling a breathtaking sight: What lies before them - a house made of treats? And could they really be tap-dancing sweets?!

This book is an Opera Anywhere production. For further information and resources, please visit <a href="https://operaanywhere.com">www.operaanywhere.com</a>

Hansel is freed with the magical cane. The witch must be beaten – and at her own game. Here comes your chance – in the oven she’s looking – They give her a shove, and now she is cooking!

Tra la la laa, now who’s that singing? Father is home and look what he’s bringing! He’s sold six brooms and made plenty of money. There is bread in his basket, with butter and honey.

Then lies and excuses come tumbling out, Mother is cross and she’s starting to shout. 'Off to the woods, go now, at the double, Bring home some strawberries, or there’ll be trouble!'

They try to escape, but then spitting with rage The witch conjures Hansel straight into a cage! A swish of her cane performs frightening feats, She even turns children like them into sweets!

Based on the opera 'Hansel and Gretel' by Engelbert Humperdinck Translated into English by Constance Bache

Text Illustrations Project Director / Editor Health and Safety Lead Music Director / Piano Woodwind / Sound Effects Violin Cello Hansel Gretel Mother Father Witch Sandman Dew Fairy Sound Engineer

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Serenna Wagner James Mayhew Jennifer Clark John Alcock Nia Williams Nick Planas Bethan Rose Rosie Burchett Emily Kyte Catrin Lewis Serenna Wagner David Jones Olivia Bell Phoebe Rose Katie Blackwell Jan Capinski

With special thanks to Sunningwell School of Art and Rosina Gill-Wagner

Can you hear voices? They’re not far away Mother and Father are coming this way! United at last with no further to roam, They’re holding hands tightly and heading for HOME!

December 25th, 1945. Life feels very different for the Trulove family after everything they have been through. It’s going to be difficult, but they are so happy that the family is finally together again and HOME for Christmas at last!

Together, they slam the big heavy door. Children, you’ve done it! The witch is no more! The sweets are released from the spell that was cast – Those poor boys and girls are rescued at last.

At last, says Gretel, ‘Come, dance with me, I’ll show you the steps.’ And she curtsies with glee. ‘Yes!’ says Hansel, and throws down his broom As they hop and they glide and they leap round the room.

8th May, 1945. Harry and Gracie listen to the radio in the kitchen. There is an announcement from the Prime Minister to say that the war has finally ended. They can’t believe their ears!

The happy day finally comes, when Mother and Father meet the children at the station. They are thrilled to be reunited after such a long time apart.&nbsp;

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Christmas Eve, London, 1938. Meet Harry and Gracie Trulove and their devoted parents. It’s nearly bedtime and, happy and excited, they are about to say their evening prayers. 

September 3rd, 1939: a stormy Sunday morning. Father is reading the newspaper as usual, but all is not well. The family listen to a frightening announcement that will change their lives forever…

December, 1939. Harry and Gracie are going to be sent to live in the countryside while the war is on. Everybody thinks it will be safer there, far away from the bombs. 

Harry and Gracie meet their foster mother - a grand and severe-looking lady called Miss Lickspittle. She is a formidable woman and they get the impression that she doesn’t like children very much…

Hansel and Gretel could eat a horse – The gingerbread roof could be the first course. But careful, children, there’s somebody sneaking Right up behind you and now she is speaking!

They are taken to her home and sent to bed without any supper. Thank goodness, Mother has packed a very special book for them to read while they are away. The children huddle together, and Gracie begins to read…

Harry and Gracie wish that they could go home. Miss Lickspittle is cruel and unkind to them. Gracie has to work downstairs in the kitchens and Harry has to help in the fields.

One night, Miss Lickspittle gets very angry with the children and shuts them in the cellar to teach them a lesson. They are scared and hungry, just like the characters in their book. Gracie begins to read...

They prance and they giggle and soon become silly Shouting and laughing they fight willy-nilly. Hansel and Gretel, get up from the floor! Mother is home and she’s slamming the door.

Sand Fairy's coming, she'll help to bring sleep – Closing their eyes with a sparkling sweep. No longer afraid, they are safe in her care. Children, it’s time for your Evening Prayer.

Act 2 The children are out in the woods, having fun The fir trees are dancing and covered in sun. Gretel is singing a song while she weaves A delicate garland of flowers and leaves.

Act 3 Reluctant to wake them from heavenly dreams, The radiant sunshine exquisitely beams. The Dew Fairy’s here and sweet music she makes To sing them from slumber as day softly breaks.

HANSEL AND GRETEL Bored at home, two children are sitting One’s making brooms and the other is knitting. Tired and hungry, they’re not in the mood For anything other than dreaming of food.

Greedy and grabby, she’s tap-dancing mad, The children she’s captured are worried and sad. Frantically baking and gobbling food She’s a treacherous woman who’s dreadfully rude.

When Father finds out where the children were sent He thinks of the witch and her evil intent: ‘They’ll be burnt to a cinder, her pastries to sweeten,’ Quick! run and find them, don’t let them be eaten!

It’s time to set off now it’s late in the day – Munching the berries they go on their way. Oh, Hansel and Gretel, just look what you’ve done – You’ve eaten the strawberries – every last one!

The plans that she makes are unspeakably chilling Hansel, look out, or her pies you’ll be filling! Gretel is clever and ever so quick – She secretly grabs the spell-making stick.

Now that the children are lost in their dream, The Angels can conjure a dazzling scene. There’s a sumptuous feast and comforts from home: In this heavenly vision, they’re no longer alone.

Darkness is coming and nightfall is near, The moon and the stars and dark shadows appear. ‘I’m frightened,’ says Gretel, ‘I wish I were home.’ Poor children, so deep in the woods all alone!

Clinging together, they’re starting to weep, Longing for Mother and Father and sleep, But Hansel and Gretel, please do not despair! Look, here’s a fairy with long, raven hair!

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