We’re excited to announce ENO Response which is a new scheme that gives aspiring journalists and reviewers the opportunity to produce opera reviews and receive writing advice and feedback.

Stuart Murphy, CEO said: ‘Brilliant, informed and passionate critics are as invaluable to the industry as the performers, composers, musicians and hundreds of others behind the scenes in an opera house. A great critic can draw out meaning you missed, be a champion, a provocateur and a critical friend, and take you on emotional journeys as whimsical, moving, disturbing or humorous as the work they are responding to.’

At ENO, we nurture upcoming talent across the opera field, and as part of that goal, we are working with Lucy Basaba who founded the website Theatre Full Stop. Reviews will be published on our website and Lucy will work with our reviewers to provide high quality writing advice and feedback over the course of our 2019/20 Season.
Lucy believes ‘there is no set formula for what makes a compelling review, however the reviewer must be able to capture the mood of an opera quickly and concisely – showing an awareness of the show’s context and director’s vision. They will be able to articulate whether they feel the production is apt for our times as well as provide constructive feedback.’

We’re seek 10 passionate, dedicated writers who aim to develop their journalistic writing, who will be provided with one free ticket for each of ENO’s 2019/20 Season. After the opera, they’ll produce unbiased, constructive reviews that speak to their experience and opinion, to be promoted through ENO’s social media to give widespread exposure and aid in the building of a profile.

Find out more and apply.