CINDERELLA SHALL GO TO THE BALL

The Royal Opera House has issued the first of four multimedia challenges to BP Summer Big Screen audiences via Twitter, Facebook and YouTube.

The interactive tasks will include helping Cinderella to complete her chores, find her prince, locate some transport and make her way to the ball. Each weekly challenge features an animation and two rhyming couplets, voiced by Joyce DiDonato, which explain Cinderella's plight and give instructions to complete the challenge and move her one step closer to arriving at the ball (the Cinderella screening on 13 July).

The challenges will get progressively more difficult each week and will require participants to send in photos and videos to complete the puzzles. The tasks are going to be issued each Monday and will also be aggregated via a WordPress site. To be part of the fairytale follow @mynameiscinders.

For the first time ever, The Royal Opera presents the story of Cinderella as told in Massenet's opera. This production of Cinderella is filled with wit and elegance to match Massenet's delightfully tuneful score, featuring sets and costumes of fairytale charm. Musical highlights include the fairy godmother's airy coloratura, the orchestral dances at the ball, the March of the Princesses, and of course rapturous duets between the Prince and Cinderella. This charming opera will be conducted by French music specialist Bertrand de Billy. Joyce DiDonato takes the title role, with Alice Coote as her Prince Charming. And of course there has to be a fairy godmother, she will be played by Eglise Gutiérrez.

The BP Summer Big Screen programme will also see The Royal Opera's Madam Butterfly screened with the biggest ‘hum-along' ever heard across the UK planned. Whether you're new to opera or already a devotee, the BP Summer Big Screen relays offer an exciting opportunity to enjoy the very best from the Royal Opera House in a unique setting. The screenings will include exclusive backstage footage, live audience interaction and the chance to win tickets to The Royal Ballet's The Nutcracker next Season with a night for two at The May Fair Hotel, London.

Tony Hall, Chief Executive of the Royal Opera House, said:
"These screenings are a wonderful opportunity for people to get outdoors and experience world-class performances in the open air - and it's all for free. With the support of BP we're providing the opportunity for people to enjoy opera and ballet in a range of fantastic venues across the UK, creating unforgettable experiences. Even if you've never watched an opera or ballet before, why not invite family and friends along and give it a chance - you could even bring a picnic!"

Deborah Bull, Creative Director of the Royal Opera House, said:
"These annual screens are a highlight of our performing season: they allow us to reach new audiences across the UK and to offer a unique window on our world through live presentation from behind the scenes, specially created films, cast interviews and more. The free BP Summer Big Screens are a great way in to ballet and opera for newcomers - and an absolute treat for anyone who enjoys music and dance."
Peter Mather, BP's Regional Vice President for Europe and Head of Country UK, said:
"We are delighted to continue our support of this fantastic initiative enabling thousands of people across the UK to see world class productions of ballet and opera for free."