Loss is something most of us will face in our lives, but how often do we stop to reflect on it together? On Saturday 1st November 2025, Christ Church in Old Town will open its doors to The Grief Opera – a moving performance that uses music and words to explore love, loss and the difficult journey through bereavement.
Blending classical, jazz, opera, concert and musical theatre, the production follows a father’s final conversations with his son and the aching aftermath of suicide. Its creators are clear: this is not a religious work, but one designed to be accessible to people of all faiths and none. The hope is that it will offer comfort to those who have lived through loss, while also sparking life-saving conversations about mental health.
The libretto was written by Nigel Linacre, who lost his son in 2021. “The Grief Opera gives voice to the unspeakable,” he explains. Nigel, known locally as the founder of the water charity WellBoring and recipient of the British Empire Medal in 2023, has worked with composer Vladimir Miller, an Anglo-Russian musician celebrated for his genre-spanning style.
The cast includes acclaimed tenor Neil Latchman, mezzo-soprano Keri Farish, soprano Grace Dowdeswell, narration by Ashley Green, and a distinguished ensemble of musicians.
Chris Smith, organiser at Christ Church, said:
“The Grief Opera opens up a space of recognition, compassion and healing. By engaging with another’s story, people often find the courage to face their own grief, gently and indirectly.”
Event details:
Saturday 1st November 2025
Christ Church, Cricklade Street, Old Town, Swindon, SN1 3HB
Doors 7pm | Performance 7.30pm
Tickets £10 (+50p booking fee) – Book online here
