Two of the arts world’s leading figures, both of them Highgate residents, come together for an informal and enlightening Sunday afternoon conversation, comparing notes on their remarkable careers and the contrasts and overlaps between them.
John Caird, one of the country’s most celebrated and versatile theatre directors, is equally at home directing Shakespeare, musical theatre and opera. He is an honorary director of the RSC, where alongside countless Shakespeare and classical play productions he was jointly responsible for bringing both Nicholas Nickleby and Les Miserables to the stage, and has created and directed shows both in the UK and across the world, in particular in the USA, Sweden and Japan. As well as directing operas for companies such as Chicago, Houston and Welsh National Opera, John has also written libretti for operas by Andre Previn and Tarik O’Regan, as well as a large number of critically acclaimed musicals.
Sir Mark Elder has been at the forefront of British conducting for many years. He has been Music Director of the Hallé since September 2000, and was Music Director of English National Opera from 1979–1993, during which time he won an Olivier award for his outstanding work with the company. He has conducted most of the world’s major orchestras and opera companies, made countless CD recordings and appeared in a number of TV shows. A regular performer at the BBC Proms, he conducted the last night in 1987 and 2006. He was knighted in 2008 having been awarded a CBE in 1989, and was created Companion of Honour in the Queen’s Birthday Honours in 2017.
Highgate Festival is thrilled to have two such luminaries sharing the stage in what promises to be a fascinating and hugely entertaining event.
COVID-19 Precautions
We want to make sure you and everyone else around you is safe so we will allocate you specific seats according to the size of your booking.
Every audience member will:
- have their temperature checked on arrival. Anyone with a high temperature will not be admitted along with anyone in their household or 'bubble'.
- asked to sanitise their hands.
Please help us to help you by following these instructions:
- If you are displaying any of the symptoms of Covid-19 do not come to the show - please stay home in line with Government Guidelines. Check for Covid-19 symptoms HERE..
- Wherever possible please stay 2 metres from people outside your ‘bubble’ or household.
- Please wear a face covering for use when you are not drinking or eating.
- Please co-operate with the stewards and volunteers when they show you to your seating area.
- The toilets will be available and are regularly cleaned but please follow the instructions in relation to keeping a distance when/if queuing and follow good hygiene and hand washing regimes. Soap and disinfectant sprays are available for your use.
- Please arrive in good time. The Box office will open at 3:30pm.
- Getting everyone settled will take longer than usual so please be patient – we promise not to start till everyone is in and comfortable.
- The windows will be open to ensure good ventilation - please dress accordingly.
