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FANNY - The overdue story of the other Mendelssohn
The Watermill Theatre,
Bagnor,
Newbury, Berkshire RG20 8AE
Thu 23 May to Saturday 15 Jun 2024
Performance scheduleMon – Sat 7.30pm (28 May 7pm)
Thu & Sat 2.30pm
Tickets from £15
Book early for the best prices across our performances, ticket prices may vary according to demand.
Performance information
Most suitable for ages 10+
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About this Event
FANNY - The overdue story of the other Mendelssohn
The overdue story of the other Mendelssohn, starring Charlie Russell (The Goes Wrong Show (BBC) and The Play That Goes Wrong (actor and co-creator, West End & Broadway).
...who?
You’ll probably know her younger brother, Felix Mendelssohn, from 19th century smash hits like The Wedding March. He was the Cliff Richard of his day and was even asked to play at a personal concert for Queen Victoria. But only if he played her favourite piece of music ever, a song called Italien.
However, we now know that Felix was forced to admit to the Queen that, in actuality, the piece had been composed by his sister, Fanny, and simply published under his name.
Felix: Publishing under a male’s name? Nobody would believe it!
Fanny: Shall we ask George Eliot how believable it is?
Felix: What’s he got to do with it!
FANNY imagines that Fanny intercepts a letter addressed to ‘F. Mendelssohn’ inviting Felix to play for Queen Victoria. As the true composer of Italien, she decides to hide the letter, don her brother’s clothes, and take his place at the palace…cueing a race across Europe and a furious Felix. This fun and irreverent new comedy celebrates classical music and - at last - the work of a composer overlooked because of her sex.
...who?
You’ll probably know her younger brother, Felix Mendelssohn, from 19th century smash hits like The Wedding March. He was the Cliff Richard of his day and was even asked to play at a personal concert for Queen Victoria. But only if he played her favourite piece of music ever, a song called Italien.
However, we now know that Felix was forced to admit to the Queen that, in actuality, the piece had been composed by his sister, Fanny, and simply published under his name.
Felix: Publishing under a male’s name? Nobody would believe it!
Fanny: Shall we ask George Eliot how believable it is?
Felix: What’s he got to do with it!
FANNY imagines that Fanny intercepts a letter addressed to ‘F. Mendelssohn’ inviting Felix to play for Queen Victoria. As the true composer of Italien, she decides to hide the letter, don her brother’s clothes, and take his place at the palace…cueing a race across Europe and a furious Felix. This fun and irreverent new comedy celebrates classical music and - at last - the work of a composer overlooked because of her sex.
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