BAMPTON DEANERY

Bampton Classical Opera has been fortunate from the very start to be able to perform in the lovely Deanery garden, which is undoubtedly one of the greatest draws for our regular audiences. Deirdre and George Dudley (in 1993), Linda and Peter Ferstendik (from 1994 to 2019) and Nicki and Eric Armitage (since 2021) have been our generous hosts for an annual invasion which lasts about a week. Delivery of the stage is followed by the scenery, lights, tents back-stage and front-of-house, portaloos, bar, and of course musicians and instruments. The four days leading up the performances see a busy schedule of work and rehearsals, although carefully laid timetables need to be flexible to cope with whatever weather is thrown at us. The proximity of St Mary’s provides the security of a wet-weather alternative if required and, if the sun and heat become too much, the cool of the church is also welcome.

The great charm of the Deanery garden is praised by press critics and the acoustic is remarkably clear. We build the stage in front of the curved yew-hedge which creates a convenient back-stage area, where we place marquees for the performers. The orchestra is covered by a large tent placed ‘stage left’, that is to say, at the right of the stage as the audience sees it. This necessitates the conductor being unconventionally towards the side rather than centrally as in a theatre with an orchestra pit, and this position is taken into consideration when the director plans movement on stage.

At Bampton we have never provided seating for the audience, deciding in 1993 on the informality of garden chairs – regular attenders appear to relish the process of arriving with chairs and maybe a picnic table, and setting up where they like in the garden. It is very much part of our relaxed ethos. We open the gates early so that audience can picnic if they wish. Picnics can be ordered in advance, and there is a well-stocked bar at very reasonable prices. Many audience attend the free pre-performance talk in the church which is always appreciated for giving insights about what makes the opera special.

The Deanery was the medieval home for the Bishops of Exeter, or rather their agents when visiting the parish. The house is now mostly 16th-17th century, but is built over the remains of a 12th century (Norman) chapel. We are very privileged to perform there.

“Last, but one of my favourites, is the least formal and least expensive of the lot, the eccentric set-up at Bampton where Jeremy Gray and Gilly French have been putting on 18th century rarities in the Deanery garden, a perfect little spot beneath the golden stone of a Cotswold church tower.” (Robert Thicknesse, in The Times)