Co-Opera

Night of Nights - Port Augusta
2021-11-17 19:30 - 21:00 (Australia/Adelaide) | Lea Memorial Theatre, 12 Hannagan Street, Port Augusta, SA, 5700, Australia
For one night only, South Australia’s top talent will share an evening of song. Presented by Co-Opera, this concert features well-known pieces from musicals like Carousel, Phantom of the Opera and West Side Story, alongside operatic favourites La Donna è Mobile, the Barcarolle and the Brindisi! A family-friendly event, you won’t want to miss this highlight in Port Augusta’s musical calendar.
Supported by SA Power Networks enabling the arts to tour to regional communities.
Tickets available: http://trybooking.com/BUXQR

Night of Nights - Roxby Downs
2021-11-19 19:30 - 21:00 | Roxbylink, 1-15 Richardson Place, Roxby Downs, SA, 5725, Australia
For one night only, South Australia’s top talent will share an evening of song. Presented by Co-Opera, this concert features well-known pieces from musicals like Carousel, Phantom of the Opera and West Side Story, alongside operatic favourites La Donna è Mobile, the Barcarolle and the Brindisi! A family-friendly event, you won’t want to miss this highlight in Roxby Downs’ musical calendar.
Supported by SA Power Networks enabling the arts to tour to regional communities.
Tickets available: http://trybooking.com/BUWTZ

Audition 1
2025-04-26 09:00 - 17:00 | Clayton Wesley Uniting Church, 280 Portrush Road, Beulah Park, SA, 5067, Australia
Audition panel
The panel will include Artistic Director, Brian Chatterton and the Convenors of several Co-Opera productions planned for 2025, 2026, and 2027,

Macintyre Howie-Reeves [Merry Widow, A Celebration of Kurt Weill, Der Freischutz]
Nicholas Cannon [Faust ]
Deborah Johnson [The Zoo, American Double Bill, Amahl and the Night Visitors]

Audition requirements
Auditionees are advised to examine Co-Opera’s PROSPECTUS 2025 – 2027 and consider the role[s] they are interested in.
The PROSPECTUS can be downloaded here.
Auditions will be 15 minutes long. Singers should prepare at least two substantial offerings, including pieces from desired roles.
Singers are requested to provide their own accompanists.
The lower age limit for auditions is 18 years. [The role of Amahl will not be cast until late 2026.]
For the panel, please supply two copies of music offered for presentation.
How to obtain an audition time slot
Please send an email to brian.chatterton43@gmail.com with

a comprehensive CV indicating years of study [including institutions and teachers], professional and semi-professional performance experience,
a headshot
an indication of any role[s] which you would like to be considered for
a general indication of rehearsal availability in the two months leading to public performances as shown in the PROSPECTUS.

Specific audition time-slots will be arranged by email.

Audition 2
2025-06-28 09:00 - 17:00 | Clayton Wesley Uniting Church, 280 Portrush Road, Beulah Park, SA, 5067, Australia

Franz Lehar: The Merry Widow
2025-10-04 18:00 - 22:00 | Sporting Car Club of S.A. Inc, 51 King William Rd, Unley, South Australia, 5061, Australia
MERRY WIDOW 4TH October 2025, Sporting Car Club EVENING
This staging of Lehar’s masterpiece accentuates the comedy and glamour in its unforgettable melodies, including The Merry Widow Waltz, Vilja, I’m off to Chez Maxim’s and the number made famous by a young Maurice Chevalier, Girls, Girls, Girls.
Macintyre Howie-Reeves and James Nicholson have conceived a production that transports the original Operetta’s European setting into Hollywood’s glistening Golden Age. With Jessica Mills and Joanna McWaters sharing the title role… glitz, romance and laughter take over the stage.
Creative Staff
Stage Director: Macintyre Howie-Reeves
Designer: James Nicholson
Musical Director/Pianist: Joseph Ingram
Cast
Hanna Glawari: Joanna McWaters, Jessica Mills
Refreshments
Main course and desert included.
Book
MERRY WIDOW 4TH October 2025, Sporting Car Club EVENING

Franz Lehar: The Merry Widow
2025-10-05 15:00 - 19:00 | Sporting Car Club of S.A. Inc, 51 King William Rd, Unley, South Australia, 5061, Australia
MERRY WIDOW 5TH October 2025, Sporting Car Club, MATINEE
This staging of Lehar’s masterpiece accentuates the comedy and glamour in its unforgettable melodies, including The Merry Widow Waltz, Vilja, I’m off to Chez Maxim’s and the number made famous by a young Maurice Chevalier, Girls, Girls, Girls.
Macintyre Howie-Reeves and James Nicholson have conceived a production that transports the original Operetta’s European setting into Hollywood’s glistening Golden Age. With Jessica Mills and Joanna McWaters sharing the title role… glitz, romance and laughter take over the stage.
Creative Staff
Stage Director: Macintyre Howie-Reeves
Designer: James Nicholson
Musical Director/Pianist: Joseph Ingram
Cast
Hanna Glawari: Joanna McWaters, Jessica Mills
Refreshments
Grazing platter included.
Book
MERRY WIDOW 5TH October 2025, Sporting Car Club, MATINEE

Franz Lehar: The Merry Widow
2025-10-24 00:00 | William Street Melbourne, 45 William Street, Melbourne, Victoria, 3000, Australia
This staging of Lehar’s masterpiece accentuates the comedy and glamour in its unforgettable melodies, including The Merry Widow Waltz, Vilja, I’m off to Chez Maxim’s and the number made famous by a young Maurice Chevalier, Girls, Girls, Girls.
Macintyre Howie-Reeves and James Nicholson have conceived a production that transports the original Operetta’s European setting into Hollywood’s glistening Golden Age. With Jessica Mills and Joanna McWaters sharing the title role… glitz, romance and laughter take over the stage.
Creative Staff:
Stage Director: Macintyre Howie Reeves
Designer: James Nicholson
Musical Director/Pianist: Joseph Ingram
Cast:
Joanna McWaters, Jessica Mills
Nicholas Cannon, Mark Oates
Jaicheng Ding, Zachary McCulloch
Andrew Turner, Christian Evans
Emma Kavanagh, Elizabeth Ponce

Franz Lehar: The Merry Widow
2025-10-26 00:00 | Moe Shopping Centre, 30 Moore St, Moe, Victoria, 3825, Australia
This staging of Lehar’s masterpiece accentuates the comedy and glamour in its unforgettable melodies, including The Merry Widow Waltz, Vilja, I’m off to Chez Maxim’s and the number made famous by a young Maurice Chevalier, Girls, Girls, Girls.
Macintyre Howie-Reeves and James Nicholson have conceived a production that transports the original Operetta’s European setting into Hollywood’s glistening Golden Age. With Jessica Mills and Joanna McWaters sharing the title role… glitz, romance and laughter take over the stage.
Creative Staff
Stage Director: Macintyre Howie-Reeves
Designer: James Nicholson
Musical Director/Pianist: Joseph Ingram
Cast
Hanna Glawari: Joanna McWaters, Jessica Mills
Refreshments

Book

Franz Lehar: The Merry Widow
2025-11-05 18:00 - 22:00 | Vine Shed McLaren Vale, 270 Sand Rd, McLaren Vale, South Australia, 5171, Australia
MERRY WIDOW 5TH November 2025, The Vine Shed, McLaren Vale
This staging of Lehar’s masterpiece accentuates the comedy and glamour in its unforgettable melodies, including The Merry Widow Waltz, Vilja, I’m off to Chez Maxim’s and the number made famous by a young Maurice Chevalier, Girls, Girls, Girls.
Macintyre Howie-Reeves and James Nicholson have conceived a production that transports the original Operetta’s European setting into Hollywood’s glistening Golden Age. With Jessica Mills and Joanna McWaters sharing the title role… glitz, romance and laughter take over the stage.
Creative Staff
Stage Director: Macintyre Howie-Reeves
Designer: James Nicholson
Musical Director/Pianist: Joseph Ingram
Cast
Hanna Glawari: Joanna McWaters, Jessica Mills
Refreshments
Grazing platter, pizza and desert included.
Book
MERRY WIDOW 5TH November 2025, The Vine Shed, McLaren Vale

Franz Lehar: The Merry Widow
2025-11-07 18:00 - 22:00 | Echunga Memorial Hall, 23 Adelaide Rd, Echunga, South Australia, 5153, Australia
MERRY WIDOW 7TH November 2025, Echunga Memorial Hall
This staging of Lehar’s masterpiece accentuates the comedy and glamour in its unforgettable melodies, including The Merry Widow Waltz, Vilja, I’m off to Chez Maxim’s and the number made famous by a young Maurice Chevalier, Girls, Girls, Girls.
Macintyre Howie-Reeves and James Nicholson have conceived a production that transports the original Operetta’s European setting into Hollywood’s glistening Golden Age. With Jessica Mills and Joanna McWaters sharing the title role… glitz, romance and laughter take over the stage.
Creative Staff
Stage Director: Macintyre Howie-Reeves
Designer: James Nicholson
Musical Director/Pianist: Joseph Ingram
Cast
Hanna Glawari: Joanna McWaters, Jessica Mills
Refreshments
BYO food & drinks
Book
MERRY WIDOW 7TH November 2025, Echunga Memorial Hall

Franz Lehar: The Merry Widow
2025-11-08 19:30 - 23:30 | Osborne Community Hall, 539 Victoria Rd, Osborne, South Australia, 5017, Australia
MERRY WIDOW 8TH November 2025, Osborne Community Hall
This staging of Lehar’s masterpiece accentuates the comedy and glamour in its unforgettable melodies, including The Merry Widow Waltz, Vilja, I’m off to Chez Maxim’s and the number made famous by a young Maurice Chevalier, Girls, Girls, Girls.
Macintyre Howie-Reeves and James Nicholson have conceived a production that transports the original Operetta’s European setting into Hollywood’s glistening Golden Age. With Jessica Mills and Joanna McWaters sharing the title role… glitz, romance and laughter take over the stage.
Creative Staff
Stage Director: Macintyre Howie-Reeves
Designer: James Nicholson
Musical Director/Pianist: Joseph Ingram
Cast
Hanna Glawari: Joanna McWaters, Jessica Mills
Refreshments
Main course and dessert included: bar available
Book
MERRY WIDOW 8TH November 2025, Osborne Community Hall

Franz Lehar: The Merry Widow
2025-11-09 15:00 - 19:00 | Centenary Hall Goolwa, 14 Cadell St, Goolwa, South Australia, 5214, Australia
MERRY WIDOW 9TH November 2025, Centenary Hall, Goolwa
This staging of Lehar’s masterpiece accentuates the comedy and glamour in its unforgettable melodies, including The Merry Widow Waltz, Vilja, I’m off to Chez Maxim’s and the number made famous by a young Maurice Chevalier, Girls, Girls, Girls.
Macintyre Howie-Reeves and James Nicholson have conceived a production that transports the original Operetta’s European setting into Hollywood’s glistening Golden Age. With Jessica Mills and Joanna McWaters sharing the title role… glitz, romance and laughter take over the stage.
Creative Staff
Stage Director: Macintyre Howie-Reeves
Designer: James Nicholson
Musical Director/Pianist: Joseph Ingram
Cast
Hanna Glawari: Joanna McWaters, Jessica Mills
Refreshments
BYO food & beverages.
Book
MERRY WIDOW 9TH November 2025, Centenary Hall, Goolwa

Sir Arthur Sullivan: The Zoo (A Musical Folly)
2025-12-01 17:00 - 19:00 | The Fig Tree Function Centre -Adelaide Zoo, Frome Rd, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000, Australia
THE ZOO 1ST December 2025, 5 00 pm Adelaide Zoo
In 1875, three months after writing the sensationally successful one act opera, Trial by Jury, Sullivan wrote another one-acter, The Zoo, with Bolton Rowe as librettist. A farcical story concerns two pairs of lovers: one involving a nobleman, who goes to the zoo to woo the girl who sells snacks there and tries to impress her by buying and eating all of the food. And another couple involving a young chemist who believes that he has poisoned his beloved by mixing up her father’s prescription with peppermint that he had meant for her. A light-hearted tale elevated with sprightly, charming music from the hand of the composer described by WS Gilbert himself as “incomparably, the most accomplished English musician of his age”. The stage was ripe for the remarkable successes struck by these two icons over the following twenty years.
Creative Staff
Stage Director: Nicholas Cannon
Designers: Deborah Johnson/Alexandra Woolston
Theatre Technician: Aaron Woolston
Head Administrator: James Scott
Musical Director/Pianist: Nerissa Pearce
Cast
Laetitia Grinder: Alexandra Woolston
Aesculapius Carboy: Mark Oates
Eliza Smith: Deborah Johnson
Thomas Brown: Nicolas Cannon
Mr Grinder: James Scott
Refreshments
Arrival drink, canapes and grazing platter included.
Bookings
THE ZOO 1ST December 2025, 5 00 pm Adelaide Zoo

Sir Arthur Sullivan: The Zoo (A Musical Folly)
2025-12-01 19:00 - 21:00 | The Fig Tree Function Centre -Adelaide Zoo, Frome Rd, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000, Australia
THE ZOO 1ST December 2025, 7 00 pm Adelaide Zoo
In 1875, three months after writing the sensationally successful one act opera, Trial by Jury, Sullivan wrote another one-acter, The Zoo, with Bolton Rowe as librettist. A farcical story concerns two pairs of lovers: one involving a nobleman, who goes to the zoo to woo the girl who sells snacks there and tries to impress her by buying and eating all of the food. And another couple involving a young chemist who believes that he has poisoned his beloved by mixing up her father’s prescription with peppermint that he had meant for her. A light-hearted tale elevated with sprightly, charming music from the hand of the composer described by WS Gilbert himself as “incomparably, the most accomplished English musician of his age”. The stage was ripe for the remarkable successes struck by these two icons over the following twenty years.
Creative Staff
Stage Director: Nicholas Cannon
Designers: Deborah Johnson/Alexandra Woolston
Theatre Technician: Aaron Woolston
Head Administrator: James Scott
Musical Director/Pianist: Nerissa Pearce
Cast
Laetitia Grinder: Alexandra Woolston
Aesculapius Carboy: Mark Oates
Eliza Smith: Deborah Johnson
Thomas Brown: Nicolas Cannon
Mr Grinder: James Scott
Refreshments
Arrival drink, canapes and grazing platter included.
Bookings
THE ZOO 1ST December 2025, 7 00 pm Adelaide Zoo

Sir Arthur Sullivan: The Zoo (A Musical Folly)
2025-12-02 17:00 - 19:00 | The Fig Tree Function Centre -Adelaide Zoo, Frome Rd, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000, Australia
THE ZOO 2nd December 2025, 5 00 pm Adelaide Zoo
In 1875, three months after writing the sensationally successful one act opera, Trial by Jury, Sullivan wrote another one-acter, The Zoo, with Bolton Rowe as librettist. A farcical story concerns two pairs of lovers: one involving a nobleman, who goes to the zoo to woo the girl who sells snacks there and tries to impress her by buying and eating all of the food. And another couple involving a young chemist who believes that he has poisoned his beloved by mixing up her father’s prescription with peppermint that he had meant for her. A light-hearted tale elevated with sprightly, charming music from the hand of the composer described by WS Gilbert himself as “incomparably, the most accomplished English musician of his age”. The stage was ripe for the remarkable successes struck by these two icons over the following twenty years.
Creative Staff
Stage Director: Nicholas Cannon
Designers: Deborah Johnson/Alexandra Woolston
Theatre Technician: Aaron Woolston
Head Administrator: James Scott
Musical Director/Pianist: Nerissa Pearce
Cast
Laetitia Grinder: Alexandra Woolston
Aesculapius Carboy: Mark Oates
Eliza Smith: Deborah Johnson
Thomas Brown: Nicolas Cannon
Mr Grinder: James Scott
Refreshments
Arrival drink, canapes and grazing platter included.
Bookings
THE ZOO 2nd December 2025, 5 00 pm Adelaide Zoo

Sir Arthur Sullivan: The Zoo (A Musical Folly)
2025-12-02 19:00 - 21:00 | The Fig Tree Function Centre -Adelaide Zoo, Frome Rd, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000, Australia
THE ZOO 2nd December 2025, 7 00 pm Adelaide Zoo
In 1875, three months after writing the sensationally successful one act opera, Trial by Jury, Sullivan wrote another one-acter, The Zoo, with Bolton Rowe as librettist. A farcical story concerns two pairs of lovers: one involving a nobleman, who goes to the zoo to woo the girl who sells snacks there and tries to impress her by buying and eating all of the food. And another couple involving a young chemist who believes that he has poisoned his beloved by mixing up her father’s prescription with peppermint that he had meant for her. A light-hearted tale elevated with sprightly, charming music from the hand of the composer described by WS Gilbert himself as “incomparably, the most accomplished English musician of his age”. The stage was ripe for the remarkable successes struck by these two icons over the following twenty years.
Creative Staff
Stage Director: Nicholas Cannon
Designers: Deborah Johnson/Alexandra Woolston
Theatre Technician: Aaron Woolston
Head Administrator: James Scott
Musical Director/Pianist: Nerissa Pearce
Cast
Laetitia Grinder: Alexandra Woolston
Aesculapius Carboy: Mark Oates
Eliza Smith: Deborah Johnson
Thomas Brown: Nicolas Cannon
Mr Grinder: James Scott
Refreshments
Arrival drink, canapes and grazing platter included.
Bookings
THE ZOO 2nd December 2025, 7 00 pm Adelaide Zoo

Sir Arthur Sullivan: The Zoo (A Musical Folly)
2025-12-03 17:00 - 19:00 | The Fig Tree Function Centre -Adelaide Zoo, Frome Rd, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000, Australia
THE ZOO 3rd December 2025, 5 00 pm Adelaide Zoo
In 1875, three months after writing the sensationally successful one act opera, Trial by Jury, Sullivan wrote another one-acter, The Zoo, with Bolton Rowe as librettist. A farcical story concerns two pairs of lovers: one involving a nobleman, who goes to the zoo to woo the girl who sells snacks there and tries to impress her by buying and eating all of the food. And another couple involving a young chemist who believes that he has poisoned his beloved by mixing up her father’s prescription with peppermint that he had meant for her. A light-hearted tale elevated with sprightly, charming music from the hand of the composer described by WS Gilbert himself as “incomparably, the most accomplished English musician of his age”. The stage was ripe for the remarkable successes struck by these two icons over the following twenty years.
Creative Staff
Stage Director: Nicholas Cannon
Designers: Deborah Johnson/Alexandra Woolston
Theatre Technician: Aaron Woolston
Head Administrator: James Scott
Musical Director/Pianist: Nerissa Pearce
Cast
Laetitia Grinder: Alexandra Woolston
Aesculapius Carboy: Mark Oates
Eliza Smith: Deborah Johnson
Thomas Brown: Nicolas Cannon
Mr Grinder: James Scott
Refreshments
Arrival drink, canapes and grazing platter included.
Bookings
THE ZOO 3rd December 2025, 5 00 pm Adelaide Zoo

Sir Arthur Sullivan: The Zoo (A Musical Folly)
2025-12-03 19:00 - 21:00 | The Fig Tree Function Centre -Adelaide Zoo, Frome Rd, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000, Australia
THE ZOO 3rd December 2025, 7 00 pm Adelaide Zoo
In 1875, three months after writing the sensationally successful one act opera, Trial by Jury, Sullivan wrote another one-acter, The Zoo, with Bolton Rowe as librettist. A farcical story concerns two pairs of lovers: one involving a nobleman, who goes to the zoo to woo the girl who sells snacks there and tries to impress her by buying and eating all of the food. And another couple involving a young chemist who believes that he has poisoned his beloved by mixing up her father’s prescription with peppermint that he had meant for her. A light-hearted tale elevated with sprightly, charming music from the hand of the composer described by WS Gilbert himself as “incomparably, the most accomplished English musician of his age”. The stage was ripe for the remarkable successes struck by these two icons over the following twenty years.
Creative Staff
Stage Director: Nicholas Cannon
Designers: Deborah Johnson/Alexandra Woolston
Theatre Technician: Aaron Woolston
Head Administrator: James Scott
Musical Director/Pianist: Nerissa Pearce
Cast
Laetitia Grinder: Alexandra Woolston
Aesculapius Carboy: Mark Oates
Eliza Smith: Deborah Johnson
Thomas Brown: Nicolas Cannon
Mr Grinder: James Scott
Refreshments
Arrival drink, canapes and grazing platter included.
Bookings
THE ZOO 3rd December 2025, 7 00 pm Adelaide Zoo

Gounod's Faust
2026-05-20 18:00 - 22:00 | Gawler Civic Centre – Institute Hall, 89-91 Murray St, Gawler, South Australia, 5118, Australia
Charles Gounod: Faust.
With its irresistible stream of melodies, Gounod’s Faust has long been a favourite in the international world of opera. Like Carmen, it began life as an Opera Comique with dialogue interspersed with musical numbers and, also like Carmen, was only transformed into “Grand Opera” with sung recitatives in order to satisfy the demands of Paris Opera House.
We plan a flirtation with Faust’s treatment in different countries in its “formative” years, including Valentin’s aria which was only composed (in English) for the Covent Garden premiere and later translated into French for the Paris Opera House season.
Bookings

Gounod's Faust
2026-05-22 18:00 - 22:00 | Echunga Memorial Hall, 23 Adelaide Rd, Echunga, South Australia, 5153, Australia

Gounod's Faust
2026-05-23 18:00 - 22:00 | Observatory 23, 23 Hackney Road, Hackney, South Australia, 5069, Australia

Gounod's Faust - Matinee
2026-05-24 15:00 - 19:00 | Observatory 23, 23 Hackney Road, Hackney, South Australia, 5069, Australia

Gounod's Faust
2026-05-27 18:00 - 22:00 | Centenary Hall Goolwa, 14 Cadell St, Goolwa, South Australia, 5214, Australia
Charles Gounod: Faust
With its irresistible stream of melodies, Gounod’s Faust has long been a favourite in the international world of opera. Like Carmen, it began life as an Opera Comique with dialogue interspersed with musical numbers and, also like Carmen, was only transformed into “Grand Opera” with sung recitatives in order to satisfy the demands of Paris Opera House.
We plan a flirtation with Faust’s treatment in different countries in its “formative” years, including Valentin’s aria which was only composed (in English) for the Covent Garden premiere and later translated into French for the Paris Opera House season.
Bookings

Gounod's Faust
2026-05-29 18:00 - 22:00 | Willunga Festival Hall, Main Road, Willunga, SA, 5172, Australia

Gounod's Faust
2026-05-30 18:00 - 22:00 | Holdfast Bay Community Centre, 51 King George Ave, Hove, South Australia, 5048, Australia

Gounod's Faust
2026-05-31 18:00 - 22:00 | Osborne Community Hall, 539 Victoria Rd, Osborne, South Australia, 5017, Australia

An American Double Bill
2026-07-02 19:30 - 21:30, 2026-07-03 19:30 - 21:30, 2026-07-04 19:30 - 21:30, 2026-07-05 19:30 - 21:30 | Ayers House Ballroom, 288 North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000, Australia
Samuel Barber: A Hand of Bridge.
A Hand of Bridge, composed by Samuel Barber, has a libretto written by Menotti, his life partner. One of the shortest operas to be regularly performed (under ten minutes), introduces two unhappily married couples playing a hand of bridge, during which each character has an arietta in which he or she professes his or her inner desires.

Gian Carlo Menotti: The Medium

The second of these operas is Menotti’s The Medium. Premiering in 1946, The Medium tells the story of Madame Flora who, with the help of her daughter Monica and Toby, a mute servant, tries to cheat her clients through faked seances. She is touched herself by a hand during one of them, an occurrence she cannot explain, and which drives her to insanity and murder. The ballroom of Ayers House provides the perfect ‘drawing room’ atmosphere needed for these intimate works. Run time – approx. 1 ½ hours, including a 20 minute interval.

Bookings
