Dido & Aeneas was Purcell’s first opera. It was first performed at Mr Josias Priest's Boarding School for Girls in Chelsea in 1688 when Purcell was 29 years old. It tells the story of the turbulent love affair between Dido, Queen of Carthage, and the Trojan Aeneas, undoubtedly regarded as edifying for the young ladies at the school.

Today, in the 21st century, we have revived this wonderful opera in a new staging, highlighting some of its themes which invite us to think about the emotions involved in the passage from childhood to adolescence, such as friendship and loyalty, in opposition to envy, jealousy, and all their consequences. If you want to see what happens to Dido, you’ll have to come to her birthday party. You’re invited, we’re expecting you!