We love end of year lists and we’re thrilled that two of our sold-out MIF17 shows have made The Observer critics’ Review of 2017.

BambinO was picked as one of Fiona Maddox’s Top 10 best classical performances of the year, and The Welcoming Party was chosen by Susannah Clapp as one of 2017’s theatrical highlights. It’s wonderful to see our shows for young audience receive such great recognition. We hope they inspire a new generation of opera and theatre lovers!

The Welcoming Party was a site-specific promenade piece of theatre hosted in the beautiful 1830 Warehouse at the Museum of Science and Industry. With Theatre-Rites exceptional use of puppetry, it dealt with challenging themes of refuge, migration and discrimination and conveyed them expertly to children and adults alike. We’re so pleased The Welcoming Party will be seen by more people internationally, as it goes on tour next year.

BambinO was a gorgeous sensory opera for babies. The Guardian gave it a 5 star review, praising the composer and performers, and the unpatronising approach to this young audience, as they were free to crawl and interact as they wished. The piece also toured to venues across Greater Manchester, and provided a new operatic experience, not just for babies, but for their guardians too.

The Welcoming Party was commissioned by Manchester International Festival, Theatre-Rites, Z-arts and Ruhrtrienniale International Festival of the Arts. Produced by Manchester International Festival, Theatre-Rites and Z-arts. Supported by the Granada Foundation.

BambinO was commissioned and produced by Manchester International Festival, Scottish Opera and Improbable.