top of page
The Secret of the Black Spider
September 2025
Opera North
Leeds Grand Theatre
Director - Rosie Kat
Conductor - Nick Shaw
Composer - Judith Weir
Set and Costume Designer - Zahra Mansouri
Lighting Designer - Jake Wiltshire
DARE Assistant Director - Ellie Rose Amit
Drama Coach - Gemma Woffinden
Production Manager - George Johnson-Leigh
Costume Supervisor - Stephen Rodwell
Stage Manager - Kate Freston-Davy
Deputy Stage Manager - Millie McElhinney
Christina – Pasquale Orchard
Count Heinrich – Ross Ramgobin
Green Man/Priest - Daniel Wright
Caspa - Akele Obiang
Carl - Jeannot Gantier-Houston
Opera North Youth Company
Opera North Youth Orchestra
"an undoubted success" - 4 stars - The Reviews Hub
"chorus discipline under Rosie Kat's direction was superb"
"it worked astoundingly well" - charleshutchpress
"the imaginative and animated direction of Rosie Kat drove the narrative forward with bold energy and captivating imagery" - British Music Society
"Standout moments were plentiful, but none more than the hilariously choreographed banqueting song, complete with synchronised hiccupping, which drew genuine laughter from the audience"
"This wasn’t just a bold season opener—it was a vivid reminder of opera’s relevance" - 4 stars - Northwestend
"Rosie Kat’s direction revels in the numbers of bodies available, painting striking moments such as the image of dozens of villagers endlessly dragging on ropes" - British Theatre Guide
Photos by James Glossop
bottom of page