2026HoldingPage

New Website – Coming soon

Coming off the back of our sold out performances of Carmen in May 2026 and as we approach our 10th anniversary year we are currently developing our new website, launching in Summer 2026

If you are interested in keeping in touch and seeing what’s next for Paisley Opera, please bookmark this page and keep an eye on our socials: Facebook | Instagram

In May 2026, Paisley Opera staged a St Mirren-inspired new translation of Bizet’s Carmen at the Tannahill Centre.

The opera that has swapped Seville for St Mirren – BBC News

… In a score that is richer than most in great choral numbers, the chorus brought every ounce of this “wealth through diversity” to life with Bizet’s beguiling melodies and delicious harmonies, repaying his generosity a hundredfold with a full, rich ensemble sound. The high quality of the movement direction also deserves special mention…As with previous productions by this company, a huge sense of civic pride radiates from every creative moment, with an unceasing celebration of diversity and affirmation of the life-enriching power of community. Not only does the altered setting work well but, if anything, it enhances and amplifies the immediacy and relevance of the opera to our time. – Edinburgh Music Review

Far more than an opera — it was a love letter to Paisley. Ambitious, entertaining and deeply rooted in local identity, Carmen proved that world-class productions can flourish when communities come together with imagination and passion. – Paisleyphotographs.com

I used to spend my Saturday nights pogoing away in mosh pits at punk gigs…

Thanks to my friends in Ferguslie Park I’ve now sat next to the Scottish Opera Orchestra pit for 3 hours watching the Paisley opera perform a Paisley and St Mirren themed version of Carmen.

It was f’g brilliant and I’m proud to say the best opera I’ve ever attended.

It’s also my first. (Balfy, Tannahill Centre Volunteer)

…An enjoyable and powerful rendition of Carmen.. Everything was so well coordinated, the chorus were brimming with enthusiasm and Rosie as Carmen was superb. A memorable evening (Anne G)

The production brought together the community, featuring primary school pupils, a professional cast, Paisley Opera’s community chorus, right2dance and the Orchestra of Scottish Opera, translated by Lindsay Bramley, conducted by Alistair Digges and directed by Simon Hannigan

Rosie Lavery: Carmen
Xavier Hetherington: Joseph Reid (Don Jose)
Ross Cumming: Escamillo
Catriona Clark: Mhairi (Micaela)
Rachael Brimley: Frances (Frasquita)
Heather Ireson: Maggie (Mercedes)
Matthew Kimble: Roy (Remendado)
Douglas Nairne: Danny (Dancairo)
Jonathan Forbes Kennedy: Malachi (Morales)
Martin Higgins: Jamie (Zuniga)