Swanhunter is a bold production by Opera North which whisks us away to the fierce, wintry landscape of rural Finland, where hero Lemminkainen has journeyed, against his mother’s wishes, in search of a bride.
Amidst the wind and snow, three seemingly impossible tasks await him: he must hunt the Devil’s elk, ride the Devil’s horse and shoot a swan. But an even greater danger awaits him, unseen, on Death’s river.
Swanhunter is based on the Finnish folk story of The Kalevala, and is brought to us by the makers of the successful Adventures of Pinocchio. It’s designed as a celebration of song – but don’t worry, it’s sung in English, so there’s no need to brush up on your Finnish – and is aimed at a family audience, with humour woven into the drama and puppetry that are used alongside live action.
It’s at Cambridge Junction on 22 April, 7.30pm. Tickets £8-£12.
Watch the trailer here: