Opera star Clare becomes patron of Irving Stage Company
Internationally-renowned opera singer from Suffolk, Clare Presland (pictured above), has agreed to become the first Patron of the Irving Stage Company.
She performed locally in her youth, before embarking on a career which has seen her sing on iconic stages around the world and takes up the role with the amateur dramatic group as it prepares to return to the Theatre Royal in Bury St Edmunds, in November, with Stephen Sondheim’s “Sweeney Todd – the Demon Barber of Fleet Street”.
Clare said: “My life and musical life started in Suffolk and I pride myself on being a ‘good olde Suffolk gal.
“I started singing with the legendary Birgitta Kenyon and performed with The Voice Squad for years. I then spent many incredibly inspiring years with Suffolk Young People’s Theatre. My first role with them was as Johanna in ‘Sweeney Todd’.
“It was such a moment for me, one which made me realise that I’d like to become a singer, professionally. I will always be thankful for my learnings from this time along with the memories of the laughs we kiddos had.
“When I was 16, I enrolled at the Junior Royal Academy of Music and spent Saturdays, during my A-Level years, travelling to London for tuition. It was there that I discovered the world of opera. I started singing because I wanted to be an actress, so when I discovered that opera was singing the most sublime music whilst playing different, fascinating characters, I was hooked.
“I then went on to get my Bachelor and Master of Music at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama.
“I’ve since gone on to enjoy a truly wonderful and varied career. I’ve performed at many of the world’s largest opera houses including the Royal Opera House; with English National Opera; Opéra de Lyon; Théatre des Champs Elysées – Paris; Gran Teatre del Liceu – Barcelona; as well as many others. I’ve also enjoyed a successful concert career. This year on 8 August I made my BBC Proms debut with the London Philharmonic Orchestra.
“What has always stayed with me, is how supported I’ve felt by the folk of Suffolk.
“My mother died of cancer when I was 16, just as I started my operatic journey and I guess I’ve always felt as if everyone in my home county supported and believed in me. That’s really special. You need that, to drive you forward to do it.
“It’s an enormous honour to be Patron of the Irving Stage Company. I performed with so many Irving members while growing up and I can’t wait to see and work alongside you in some of your future projects.”
Siân Couture, artistic director of the Irving Stage Company, said: “It is incredibly exciting. I have known Clare since she was 16, at the time she was performing the role of Johanna in ‘Sweeney Todd’ with SYPT. Over the years, I have watched Clare’s career blossom and grow with great pride and admiration.
“This July, with a few of our ISC members, I watched Clare deliver an absolutely outstanding performance as Mrs Lovett in ‘Sweeney Todd’, with West Green House Opera. It is a wonderful honour to welcome Clare as our patron, as we prepare for our own production of Sondheim’s masterpiece.”
The Irving Stage Company production of “Sweeney Todd – the Demon Barber of Fleet Street” is at the Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds from November 7 to 11. To book call 01284 769505, or visit www.theatreroyal.org