Neolithic Opera Unpacks Legends of Ancient Wiltshire Monument

In November 2025, Opera North hosted the world premiere of "The Devil's Den," a new opera by composer Isabella Gellis. The hour-long production, which had previously been tried out at the Nevill Holt festival in the summer of 2024, explores the legends surrounding an ancient neolithic monument in Wiltshire.

The opera features an unusual blend of elements, including Morris dancing that fills the interludes between scenes, acting as a kind of hanky-waving Greek chorus. The story follows the tale of a good child who is put on trial by a lavishly garlanded druid and condemned by the audience, who are taught a song of condemnation. Despite the eccentric premise, the opera has the feel of a modern mystery play, with a touching moment when the child tries to block out the audience's singing.

Gellis's music for the 15-strong instrumental ensemble is praised for its rewardingly agile and transparent quality, often using solo instruments to represent unseen characters. The cast, including Lotte Betts-Dean as the ambiguous devil and Jennifer France as the child, delivers strong performances. While the production could benefit from some tightening, it offers a unique and engaging take on British folklore.