Commissions / 2023

Pandora's
Box

Music

Stuart Hancock

Libretto

Donald Sturrock

Season

2023

Themes

Hope
Family
Community
Temptation
Identity

Synopsis

When Pandora Woakes receives a mysterious gift from Prometheus, a salesman from Olympus Enterprises, on the eve of her eighteenth birthday, she unknowingly releases Greed, Vanity and Envy into the modern world.

Friendships fracture, selfishness spreads and chaos engulfs the quiet English village of Middle Demos. Inspired by Greek mythology but firmly rooted in contemporary life, Pandora's Box explores what truly gives life meaning and asks whether hope can overcome humanity's greatest flaws.

A cast member holds up a hand mirror as the Olympus Enterprises messengers and a fellow god look on, drawn into her reflected image.

Why it worked for LYO

Bright, bold and full of theatrical energy, Pandora's Box demonstrated how mythology can become immediately relatable for young performers. The chorus was divided into two distinct communities - the Gods and the Mortals - giving every performer a clear dramatic identity and meaningful role within the storytelling.

Its memorable melodies, vibrant characters and colourful visual world made it an unforgettable experience for both cast and audiences. A wide range of musical styles was evoked in Stuart Hancock’s glittering score, from folk elements for the mortals to bluesy tunes for the gods. The use of single players to cover multiple instruments (recorder/flute/piccolo & guitar/banjo/electric) made the orchestral score sound immense.

From the Rehearsal Room

Moments the company will remember.

Beautiful Wings

One unforgettable moment came during the first orchestral rehearsal. As the orchestra performed Beautiful Wings, everyone in the room realised just how special the opera had become. It was a very emotional moment for the creative team.

Favourite Dramatic Moment

Prometheus stealing fire from a sleeping Zeus combined theatrical spectacle with humour and instantly transported audiences into the imaginative world of the opera.

Performance Excerpts

Lessons from this Commission

01
Distinct chorus identities create stronger storytelling.
02
Mythology can feel contemporary when rooted in recognisable human relationships.
03
Memorable melodies help young performers take ownership of a score.
04
Every performer should have a character they can truly inhabit.

Production Resources