Longborough Festival Opera

Martin and Lizzie Graham started Banks Fee Opera in 1991, presenting opera (courtesy of touring company Travelling Opera) on a temporary stage in the courtyard of a stable block at their home, to raise funds for charity. In 1998 they moved to a new home near Moreton-in-Marsh, where Longborough Festival Opera was formed, and a barn converted to create their new 480-seat opera house. Fortuitously timed to coincide with the major refurbishment at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden, Longborough was able to make use of the seats being discarded.

The theatre has been added to over the years as required, most recently with the orchestra pit dug deeper (to accommodate a 65-strong Wagnerian orchestra). The theatre absolutely upholds the traditions of the British 'country house opera company', presenting three major operas each summer.