Interview: Witches, Woes, and High Notes at Lambeth Fringe

Destination: Old Hag at Bread and Roses Theatre

Destination: Old Hag is set to enchant audiences when it comes to The Bread & Roses Theatre for Lambeth Fringe. This unique Situation-Operatic-Comedy, created by seasoned opera singers Samantha Houston, Bridget Hardy and Penny Rossano, offers a hilarious and heartfelt glimpse behind the curtains of the opera world.

Ahead of their show, we caught up with the trio to chat about transforming into witches, the joys and challenges of balancing live singing with storytelling, and how they hope to shatter the myth that opera is only for the elite.

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Welcome to Everything Theatre at Lambeth Fringe. Would you like to introduce yourselves?

Hello! We are Samantha Houston, Bridget Hardy, and Penny Rossano, three opera singers with more years of professional experience than we’d care to mention. Our show, Destination: Old Hag is essentially the world’s first “Situation-Operatic-Comedy”… possibly.

We’re excited to perform at The Bread & Roses Theatre as part of Lambeth Fringe 2024. We’ve heard great things about the venue and the shows they stage!

Tell us a bit about the show.

Audiences join the ‘Ladies of the Chorus’ as they prepare for the opening night of a small-scale production of Verdi’s Macbetto. As they transform into witches before your eyes, they reflect on the ups and downs of the opera world with humour, heart, and live opera singing.

Has the show changed much since its initial concept?

Samantha (SH): I started the project two years ago, exploring the life of a chorus member and the idea of whether performers ever give up on the dream of making it. I reached out to Bridget and Penny, and thankfully, they agreed to join me! It was my first time writing, and discovering rehearsed readings and scratch nights was invaluable.

Penny (PR): After the first read-through, we got feedback that audiences wanted more singing, so we added some pieces, but only where it made sense.

Bridget (BH): People do love the singing, which has been lovely to hear.

SH: It was always meant to be low-fi, Fringe theatre, so apart from the extra singing, it hasn’t changed much – and I’m thrilled with how it’s shaped up!

What drew you to these roles?

BH: I connected with the character because I can relate to her. Plus, I loved the chance to use my singing skills in a role that balances dialogue and music.

What’s been the biggest challenge?

BH: Learning the dialogue alongside the singing. Although I’ve done acting roles in operettas and musicals, carrying the plot with just three performers is demanding.

What do you hope the audience takes away from the show?

BH: I hope they’re entertained by the live singing and engaging storyline. The themes resonate with many people’s experiences in any field of work.

PR: I’d love for audiences to leave with a smile, but also think about issues facing women in opera and theatre, particularly ageism. For those who don’t think opera is for them, maybe this will change their minds.

SH: We’ve had feedback from people who’ve never heard live opera before, saying they didn’t think opera was for them. We’ve convinced many to attend full-scale productions, and that’s been magical! It’s important for people to see that opera isn’t just for the elite.

What’s next for the show after the Lambeth Fringe?

We’ll be performing at the Alma Theatre in Bristol in October, and we’re plotting a route to the Edinburgh Fringe in 2025!

Any magical moments during the production process?

BH: Working with Samantha and Penny has been a joy. The teamwork has been incredible.

SH: For me, the most magical moment was seeing Bridget and Penny bring Part 1 to life when my train was delayed. Seeing our work come together exactly how I imagined was just fabulous.

If your show was a meal, what would it be?

SH: It would be a seemingly simple pasta dish, but with unexpected ingredients that surprise you, making it a meal you’d want again.

If budget wasn’t an issue, what set piece would you love to have?

SH: A digital board with surtitles for accessibility and a gold proscenium with curtains for added flair!

PR: I’d love a rotating set that transforms from a cupboard into a mini theatre stage with props lowering from above Spinal Tap style!

Will you be at the bar after the show?

SH: Absolutely! We’ll either be having a swift half or a signature cocktail – or both – so come say hello!

What’s the most valuable advice you’ve received in your career, and how has it influenced your work on this show?

BH: A vocal coach once told me to write a cookery book because I’d never make it as a singer! That gave me the extra drive to prove him wrong. It’s satisfying knowing I’ve done just that.

SH: I’ve learned that when audience members tell you they enjoyed your work, just smile and accept their praise. People who didn’t like it won’t say anything – they’ll just post online later!

PR: Always stay true to the words, the music, and your character. And remember, audiences want the show to succeed as much as you do!

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Thanks to Samantha, Bridget and Penny for chatting with us and sharing your advice.

Destination: Old Hag will play at The Bread & Roses Theatre on Saturday 12th October, as part of the Lambeth Fringe. Further information and tickets available here.

The show will also play at Bristol’s Alma Theatre, tickets available here.