Aurora at 20: Carnival

Aurora and internationally renowned physical-theatre-makers Frantic Assembly present a fantastical reimagining that pairs The Carnival of the Animals with a new work that asks: what happens when the carnival is over?

Celebrating 20 years of orchestral innovation in 2025, Aurora Orchestra marks its birthday with a brand-new Orchestral Theatre production developed in collaboration with the award-winning Frantic Assembly. The performance opens with a new staging of The Carnival of the Animals, played from memory by Aurora Orchestra. Saint-Saëns’ vibrant introduction to orchestral instruments is infused with movement, design, lighting and new text by Kate Wakeling.

Richard Ayres’ riotous new work Dr Frompou’s Anatomical Study of an Orchestra then invites us behind the scenes of the Carnival to see what happens to the performers when the show is over. Specially commissioned for this production, the piece introduces us to the madcap scientist Dr Frompou, who keeps the instruments of the orchestra captive in a laboratory, performing sinister musical experiments and finding new ways to make strange and powerful sounds. Find out what happens when the instruments begin to stage a rebellion!

Suitable for all ages from 7 upwards.

Aurora Orchestra
Jane Mitchell director
Scott Graham director

Saint-Saëns:
The Carnival of the Animals (25')
Richard Ayres: Dr Frompou’s Anatomical Study of an Orchestra (30')

This performance is an Aurora Orchestra/Southbank Centre co-production developed in collaboration with Frantic Assembly.

You may also like the following events from Aurora Orchestra:

• This Saturday, 10th May, 05:45 pm, Aurora at 20 in Woodbridge
• This Sunday, 11th May, 10:30 am, Aurora at 20: Join the Carnival! in Woodbridge
• This month, 23rd May, 07:45 pm, Carnival – Bury St Edmunds in Bury St Edmunds

Also check out other Entertainment events in Woodbridge, Music events in Woodbridge.