The pandemic lockdown proved to be an unlikely catalyst for creative renewal for composer Mark-Anthony Turnage. In 2020, he and his partner Rachael Hewer, who had previously worked together at Glyndebourne Opera House, decided to write an opera during the long days spent at home with their children. They chose E Nesbit's classic tale The Railway Children as the subject for their new work.
As a composer, Turnage is accustomed to working in solitude and found that the lockdown situation allowed him to focus on his craft without distraction. He collaborated with Hewer on distilling the book down into an opera format, a process they completed over four months. Normally, this process can take up to two years; however, the pandemic's unique circumstances proved beneficial.
The duo then shelved their work and went about their separate projects. However, when they revisited The Railway Children almost a year later, they decided it was time to revive their project and even began brainstorming ways to update the 20th-century setting with modern elements, including a spy plot and stronger female character.
Their manuscript caught the attention of Glyndebourne's artistic director Stephen Langridge. Turnage has since described the experience as "surreal," noting that it initially seemed like an unlikely outcome when they first submitted their work to the opera company.
The Railway Children is set to premiere at Glyndebourne Opera House, with Stephen Langridge directing and Nicky Shaw designing the stage sets. The production marks a unique chapter in the opera's history, one that reflects the changing world around us.
The story of The Railway Children comes full circle as its creators look back on how their work was conceived during a pivotal moment in history.
As a composer, Turnage is accustomed to working in solitude and found that the lockdown situation allowed him to focus on his craft without distraction. He collaborated with Hewer on distilling the book down into an opera format, a process they completed over four months. Normally, this process can take up to two years; however, the pandemic's unique circumstances proved beneficial.
The duo then shelved their work and went about their separate projects. However, when they revisited The Railway Children almost a year later, they decided it was time to revive their project and even began brainstorming ways to update the 20th-century setting with modern elements, including a spy plot and stronger female character.
Their manuscript caught the attention of Glyndebourne's artistic director Stephen Langridge. Turnage has since described the experience as "surreal," noting that it initially seemed like an unlikely outcome when they first submitted their work to the opera company.
The Railway Children is set to premiere at Glyndebourne Opera House, with Stephen Langridge directing and Nicky Shaw designing the stage sets. The production marks a unique chapter in the opera's history, one that reflects the changing world around us.
The story of The Railway Children comes full circle as its creators look back on how their work was conceived during a pivotal moment in history.
! I mean, who wouldn't want to tap into that kind of inspiration? The fact that they were able to distill E Nesbit's classic tale into an opera format in just four months is like, totally impressive. And going back to revisit the project almost a year later and deciding to update it with modern elements? Genius 
! It's crazy how sometimes life gives us those surreal moments where everything comes together, you know?
. And to see it all come together at Glyndebourne Opera House? It's going to be epic! I'm so excited for this premiere event 
. It's like, a reminder that even in the midst of uncertainty, creativity can flourish and lead to something truly amazing 
.
like who needs distractions when u got a partner in crime & kids at home lol! and i love that they updated the story with modern elements, like a spy plot & stronger female character - it's about time! 
i'm super excited for the premiere at Glyndebourne Opera House, can't wait to see how they bring it to life 
And I love how they're giving The Railway Children a modern twist - it's gonna be so cool to see the classic tale updated with a spy plot and strong female lead! 
Turnage and Hewer's collab is like, perfect example of how art can come from unexpected places. The Railway Children has been on my mind since I heard they were working on it... now I need to see the production ASAP 
gotta love how lockdowns can spark creativity, right? 
Mark-Anthony Turnage and Rachael Hewer's opus is gonna be fire 
! I mean, who wouldn't want to bring E Nesbit's classic tale to the opera stage with a modern twist? 
The fact that they were able to revive their project after shelving it is proof that even the craziest of ideas can come to life 
! Who knew lockdowns could be a good thing for creativity? 
It's like the universe had its own way of helping them bring this story to life. 
. And can we talk about how cool it is that they updated the setting with modern elements? I mean, a spy plot and stronger female character? Yes, please! 
It's amazing to see how their unique circumstances actually ended up working in their favor. This premiere at Glyndebourne Opera House is gonna be lit 
, and now they get to bring it to life at Glyndebourne Opera House 
... i'm curious about the update to the story tho, like how they're gonna fit in that spy plot & strong female character 
anyway im really hyped 4 The Railway Children 
its gonna be lit to see how they update the story & make it modern 
can't wait 2 c it premiere at Glyndebourne Opera House 
... I mean, we're living in a time where history is literally coming full circle 
️... it's mind-blowing to see how something created during lockdown can still resonate today 
, and I'm so stoked to see their opera come together. It's amazing how the isolation actually helped them focus on their craft without any distractions 
! Can't wait to see Stephen Langridge and Nicky Shaw bring this to life on stage 
They took something that could've been a total drag and turned it into an incredible work of art. The fact that they got to update the 20th-century setting with modern elements is just genius 
They had four months to finish it and still managed to mess it up enough to need another year of work, lol. And now that they've "updated" the setting with a spy plot, they're probably gonna ruin it for everyone who actually likes E Nesbit's original story... I'm just here for the free tickets tho 
cant wait to see how they update the classic tale!
. I mean, can you imagine having four months of solo time to focus on your craft? No distractions, just pure genius 
I mean, it's crazy that the pandemic forced him and his partner Rachael to get creative with their children at home. It's amazing how distilling The Railway Children into an opera format over 4 months ended up being a game-changer...or should I say, a year-changer!