_Spark_ tells a heartwarming tale of loss, friendship and keeping the spark of imagination alive. Don’t miss this world premiere by composer Lucy Armstrong and librettist Olivia Bell, directed by Fiona Dunn.
Professional soloists and the Glyndebourne Sinfonia will be joined by the Glyndebourne Youth Opera, bringing the first full-scale opera created by Glyndebourne’s Balancing The Score scheme to life on the Glyndebourne mainstage.
Act II
The spark monsters realise that Clara can’t get back up the chimney and try unsuccessfully to reach her.
At home, Clara struggles to explain to her parents what has happened. Feeling more alone than ever, she encounters a mysterious group of shadow monsters led by Ember. Once spark monsters in the world above, they now live hidden in darkness.
As Clara learns more about the shadow monsters, she begins to understand the dangers of shutting yourself away from others. Together, she and Ember set out to find a way to relight their sparks and get back to the rooftops.
But to do so, Clara must confront the great sadness she has been keeping secret inside and decide where she truly belongs. Can she learn to live in an imperfect world – or will she be lost to the shadows?
ACT I
_In a small town, in a small house, in a small room is a small girl with a big, aching hole in her heart. And this is where the story starts…_
Clara refuses to go to school, despite the efforts of her parents and her best friend, Frankie. Feeling isolated and alone, she wishes she could somehow escape.
Her wish is answered when a spark monster called Ash appears from her chimney and invites her up to a magical, sparkling, hidden world on the rooftops. There Clara discovers a community of spark monsters led by the guru Blaze and the ever-fussy Flicker. The chimney-top world is full of flying adventures, tea parties and fireworks, and Clara is enchanted by its possibilities.
Blaze explains that Clara’s visit cannot last forever. Soon she will have to make a choice: remain in the chimney-top world or go back home, never to return.
The following day Clara brings Frankie with her. Frankie is amazed by what she finds and becomes increasingly drawn to the freedom of the spark world. As the celebrations continue and get out of hand, Clara realises it is time to leave, but Frankie refuses to come with her.
The two friends quarrel. Upset and alone, Clara returns home. When she tries to go back and make things right, she discovers that the chimney is blocked, and she and Frankie have become trapped in separate worlds.
_Spark_ deals with themes of grief, loneliness and isolation, including school avoidance. The opera is ultimately optimistic in tone as the central character, whose brother has died, discovers different sources of support and hope. It is suitable for Year 4 onwards (aged 8 and above).
