Faust 2026 – Co-opera

Adelaide, 24 May 2026 (Directed by Nicholas Cannon)

We had last caught Gounod’s rather strange take on the Faust legend in Sydney over 10 years ago. Co-opera is somewhat of a boutique company, formed in 1990, that takes the art form on the road and provides opportunities for young aspirants. At the rather unusual venue of the observatory on Hackney Road, the auditorium more apt for dinner theatre than opera, a group of young players (see credits below) belted out Gounod’s pretty music with gusto. Very ably supported by a solitary piano (kudos to Sachiko Hidaka), and with innovative use of a sparse set with minimal props, the production was indubitably worthy of serious funding and development.

Hats off in particular to Faust, Mephistopheles and particularly Marguerite.

Creative Staff:
Stage Director Nicholas Cannon

Musical Director Brian Chatterton

Pianist Sachiko Hidaka

Cast:
Faust Robert Macfarlane

Margeurite Livia Brash [6] / Amelia Price [2]

Mephistopheles Eugene Raggio [8]

Valentin Jeremy Tatchell [8]

Wagner Christian Evans [8]

Siebel Alexandra Grave [6] / Naomi Flatman [2]

Marthe Vanessa Shirley [6] / Barbara Rennison [2]

On-stage Chorus
Soprano 1 Amelia Price [6] / Emily Kelsal [2]

Soprano 2 Naomi Flatman [6] / Alexandra Grave [2]

Tenor David Visentin [8]

Bass Christian Evans [8]