Families with young children can step into a world of imagination, music and discovery this autumn as David Wiesner’s much-loved picture book Flotsam is brought to life as a brand-new opera for children aged 2–5.
Created by OperaUpClose and Half Moon, Flotsam will tour the UK from 24 October to 15 November 2026, visiting 11 venues including locations in London, Southampton, Bath, Luton and Milton Keynes.
The 30-minute production, which has no interval, combines music, movement, storytelling and puppetry to explore curiosity, friendship and the power of imagination.
A magical underwater adventure
The story follows young Pip, who discovers a mysterious camera washed up on the beach.
When Pip looks through the camera, they discover photographs of children connected across time and space, alongside fantastical creatures that seem almost too magical to be real.
The discovery opens up a whole new world for Pip. Who took the photographs? Who are the children in them? And what stories could the strange creatures tell?
As Pip explores the secrets hidden inside the old camera, they discover a world beyond their own – and find the courage to connect with other children and make new friends.
The production is inspired by the award-winning picture book by American author and illustrator David Wiesner, with music and words by four-time British Composer Award winner Kerry Andrew and direction by OperaUpClose Artistic Director Flora McIntosh.
The opera has been developed with very young audiences in mind, following collaboration with reception and Year 1 children on the Isle of Wight, in partnership with Southampton and Isle of Wight Music.
Flora McIntosh said:
“Flotsam has a timeless quality and we realised there was a real opportunity to animate this beautiful story with words and music. This is work made with and for very young people, and for many, this may be their first experience of opera – we wanted to make sure it’s one that stays with them.”
For children who have never experienced opera before, the short running time and playful approach make Flotsam an accessible introduction to live musical theatre.
The production is directed by Flora McIntosh, with design by Nikki Charlesworth, lighting by Claire Childs and costumes by Robin Simon. A Makaton specialist, Helen Brew, is also part of the creative team.
The cast includes Susie Buckle as Pip, Gabriella Liandu as Mum, Meera Maharaj as Anemone/Flute, Phil Wilcox as Melville/Accordion and Benjamin Saffir as Hermit Crab/Double Bass.
Where can you see Flotsam?
The national tour begins at Mayflower Studios in Southampton on 24 October, before travelling around the UK.
Tour dates
24 October – Mayflower Studios, Southampton
22–26 Commercial Road, Southampton, SO15 1GE
11am | £10–£8 concessions
26 October – The Hub at St Mary’s, Lichfield
Market Street, Lichfield, WS13 6LG
11am and 1pm | £10–£8 concessions
27 October – Trinity Arts Centre, Gainsborough
Trinity Street, Gainsborough, DN21 2AL
11am and 2pm | £10
28 October – Stage Two, Norwich Theatre
Theatre Street, Norwich, NR2 1RL
11am and 2pm | £10
29 October – Hat Factory Arts Centre, Luton
65–67 Bute Street, Luton, LU1 2EY
11am, 1pm and 3pm | £10
30 October – Stanley Arts Centre, London
12 S Norwood Hill, London, SE25 6AB
11am and 2pm | £40 family of four–£11
31 October – Half Moon, London
93 Lower Richmond Road, London, SW15 1EU
11am, 1pm and 3pm | £12.50–£9 concessions
6 November – The Stables, Milton Keynes
Stockwell Lane, Wavendon, Milton Keynes, MK17 8LU
11am and 2pm | £7.50
7–8 November – The Egg Theatre, Bath
36 Monmouth Street, Bath, BA1 2AN
11.30am and 3pm | £13–£10.50 concessions
14 November – Grand Junction, London
Rowington Close, London, W2 5TF
11am and 2pm | £10–£4 concessions
15 November – Jacksons Lane, London
269a Archway Road, London, N6 5AA
11am and 2pm | £12.50
The London press performance will take place at Half Moon on 31 October at 11am, 1pm and 3pm.
With its combination of music, movement, storytelling and a magical adventure, Flotsam could be a lovely first introduction to opera for preschool and early-years children – while giving grown-ups plenty to enjoy too.
