Hometown star back for Barber

It will be an emotional homecoming for singing star Tom Bullard when he appears at Rugby Theatre on Sunday.
Tom Bullard as Figaro in The Barber of SevilleTom Bullard as Figaro in The Barber of Seville
Tom Bullard as Figaro in The Barber of Seville

Tom began his performing career 25 years ago at the Henry Street venue, playing the title role in the popular 1988 musical Oliver!

Now he’s back singing the part of Figaro in Rossini’s spectacular opera The Barber of Seville.

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The one-off show is being performed by the Olivier Award-winning company OperaUpClose as part of Rugby’s Festival of Culture.

Tom, who was once a member of the Swingle Singers and has performed at 10 Downing Street and The Ritz, said: “I’m very excited to be performing one of my favourite roles on the stage where I feel so ‘at home’.

“I still have so lots of links back in Rugby, though I’ve lived in London for a number of years now.

“My family are still very much part of the Rugby Theatre, and my mother, Helen, regularly directs and acts in productions. “I’m so looking forward to coming back to meet up with lots of old friends.

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“I think the audience at Rugby Theatre will enjoy the intimacy of the piece – pared down to six excellent performers, sung in English and acted out in lively and innovative style, including audience involvement – in the lovely Henry Street setting.”

The Barber of Seville is just one of a number of exciting shows being performed in and around the theatre as part of the Festival of Culture.

Caldecott Park will stage the third instalment of much-loved annual family show Story in the Park on July 5, continuing the tale of Daddy Mouse and his intrepid daughter Maisie.

Performances are at 2pm, 3pm and 4pm.

There’s a talk by historian and TV celebrity David Starkey on the Magna Carta on Friday, July 3, while the Festival closes July 12 with a gala concert at the theatre at 7pm.

Tickets for all these shows and more are available from the Rugby Theatre box office on 01788 541234, or the website, rugbytheatre.co.uk.