Richmond Theatre is finally reopening this weekend after being forced to go dark for 18 months during the pandemic.

First to tread the boards tomorrow evening – Saturday - will be Instant Opera with a Grand Opera Gala.

Richmond's own 5 star opera company promises an unmissable event to celebrate a long-awaited return to the stage post-lockdown.

The heartbeat of Richmond's cultural scene promises to bring music, entertainment and community back to the town.

There will be glorious operatic masterpieces and grand choruses performed by international soloists led by Ilona Domnich, Anando Mukerjee, Franco Kong, Camilla Jeppeson, Anna Loveday. There is also the Instant Opera Orchestra and Chorus conducted by Oliver Till and hosted by Master of Ceremonies Daniel Wain

Instant Opera said: "Our mission is to produce cutting-edge full opera productions and performances to the highest possible standard.

"We believe opera should be accessible to all and currently operate as a 'not-for-profit' community based enterprise."

Such is the hunger to get back into the building that a series of free family friendly events planned for Sunday are already full, including puppet making, music and drama workshops.

Richmond is one of the oldest surviving theatres designed by iconic architect Frank Matcham, and has sat in the heart of the local community since 1899.

It is established as one of the most successful theatres in the country and, in normal times, welcomes a quarter of a million theatre goers a year. Details of upcoming shows and ticket availability can be found here.

The Orange Tree Theatre is already open. Its programme can be seen here.