I’ve always wanted to go to an opera at Glyndebourne. It’s an opera house set in the Sussex countryside.

https://www.glyndebourne.com/about-us/introduction-to-glyndebourne/

It’s famous for its world class opera set in beautiful grounds with atmosphere to match.

People traditionally dress in evening wear and dinner suits. But these days it is acceptable to wear other options!

Our hosts Bill and Marie France have been attending Glyndebourne for many years. In fact MF showed me a picture of herself there for her 40th birthday.

We set off early …. First stop was for Rocky their wire haired dachshund who was going to ‘day care’ as he’s a new puppy and can’t be left for long periods and we were going to be gone hours!

We arrived as the gates opened. All in Bills plan to secure a well located picnic table – in the sun and out of the wind.

All ages are represented! Not just the ‘older’ opera lovers. It’s a real occasion. You arrive early to secure a picnic spot. Bill knows how to find the best spots! You get a table and bring all your own picnic food and drinks.

We enjoyed a few glasses of champagne and nibbles before strolling the grounds….. and for me people watching.

We entered the main room of the old house which founder John Christie built in 1935.

Our friends Ros – in the choir with me and husband David joined us and we made our way around the opera house and into our seats.

It’s a new looking building with every seat enjoying a good view. We were in the dress circle. Some of us in the front row and David and Ros just 2 rows back.

The first two acts were wonderful. A more modern production than I’ve seen before with a superb young cast.

Interval came and is 1.5 hrs long allowing you to return to your picnic area ( or one of the restaurants on site) and enjoy some food and wine.

MF provided us with a delicious picnic. She had everything prepared and packed cleverly in glass jars! Bill had beautiful French wines. How spoilt we are.

We had gazpacho, followed by a prawn salad and finished with a deconstructed strawberry cheese cake. Just wonderful.

The bells rang and we returned to the theatre.

I spotted men in heavy brocade jackets, sparkly dresses, bare strapless gowns ( they must have been so cold) and lots of wraps being put to good use.

The second half was highly entertaining, lots of funny subtitles helped, though with the superb acting you knew what was going on!

It all finished around 8 and even exiting the grounds it was easy to do. So well organised.

What a fantastic night. Definitely a dream come true.