Grayshott gets go-ahead for open air Opera

**news 9th apr 2007**
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Grayshott gets go-ahead for open air Opera Grayshott residents were 'over the moon' last week to hear that they have been granted a licence to stage their first ever open air opera. After weeks of uncertainty, East Hampshire District Council has granted a Premises Licence to Grayshott Concerts to stage The Barber of Seville by Rossini in the grounds of Grayshott Primary School on Saturday 7th July this year. "It's been a long haul" said Organiser Vivien Harrison, "but the staff at East Hants DC have been really helpful throughout. There have been so many factors to consider including public safety and access, that it has taken much longer than expected. We can now start to publicise the performance and sell tickets." So many requests for information have been received by the volunteers at Grayshott Concerts in recent weeks, that a reservations list was started which has already attracted over 500 pre-bookings. "The interest in Grayshott's first ever open air opera is totally amazing" said Peter Harrison, co-organiser of the event. "It's true that our previous concerts have all sold out in advance but this level of response is totally unprecedented. We have had to rearrange the seating to make sure that we can fit everyone in, near to the stage, and still leave a few extra seats available for sale. If you're thinking of coming, you'll need to book quickly." Dick Smith, Chairman of Buy In Grayshott (BIG) who are helping to stage the event, the largest of its kind ever to be held in the village, paid tribute to Tony Purslow Mercedes-Benz and to the Fox & Pelican Grayshott who are sponsoring the event. "Opera of this quality, performed by leading artists from Covent Garden and Glyndebourne, is extremely expensive to stage and this performance by national touring company 'Opera Box' is only possible with our sponsor's support. We have also received grants from EHDC and Hants County Council allowing us to offer tickets at reasonable prices." Mrs Harrison added, "After several nail-biting months, it's wonderful that we can now bring this most popular Opera into the heart of our village performed by such talented singers. Even if you've never thought of going to an opera before, don't miss this one. It's enormous fun, very tuneful and it's sung in English. It's going to be a memorable evening." Tickets and more information are available from the Booking Office at Grayshott Books, 01428 604798. Submitted by Peter Harrison Grayshott Concerts in association with Buy In Grayshott Campaign 28A Headley Road Grayshott Hindhead GU26 6LD 01428 606666

Grayshott residents were 'over the moon' last week to hear that they have been granted a licence to stage their first ever open air opera.

After weeks of uncertainty, East Hampshire District Council has granted a Premises Licence to Grayshott Concerts to stage The Barber of Seville by Rossini in the grounds of Grayshott Primary School on Saturday 7th July this year.

"It's been a long haul" said Organiser Vivien Harrison, "but the staff at East Hants DC have been really helpful throughout. There have been so many factors to consider including public safety and access, that it has taken much longer than expected. We can now start to publicise the performance and sell tickets."

So many requests for information have been received by the volunteers at Grayshott Concerts in recent weeks, that a reservations list was started which has already attracted over 500 pre-bookings. "The interest in Grayshott's first ever open air opera is totally amazing" said Peter Harrison, co-organiser of the event. "It's true that our previous concerts have all sold out in advance but this level of response is totally unprecedented. We have had to rearrange the seating to make sure that we can fit everyone in, near to the stage, and still leave a few extra seats available for sale. If you're thinking of coming, you'll need to book quickly."

Dick Smith, Chairman of Buy In Grayshott (BIG) who are helping to stage the event, the largest of its kind ever to be held in the village, paid tribute to Tony Purslow Mercedes-Benz and to the Fox & Pelican Grayshott who are sponsoring the event. "Opera of this quality, performed by leading artists from Covent Garden and Glyndebourne, is extremely expensive to stage and this performance by national touring company 'Opera Box' is only possible with our sponsor's support. We have also received grants from EHDC and Hants County Council allowing us to offer tickets at reasonable prices."

Mrs Harrison added, "After several nail-biting months, it's wonderful that we can now bring this most popular Opera into the heart of our village performed by such talented singers. Even if you've never thought of going to an opera before, don't miss this one. It's enormous fun, very tuneful and it's sung in English. It's going to be a memorable evening."

Tickets and more information are available from the Booking Office at Grayshott Books, 01428 604798.