The Coming of the Messiah

The Coming Of Messiah, written by Suzanne Hawkes, looks at the fascinating story behind the creation of Handel’s masterpiece – which was in fact first performed Easter 1741. 

In 1740 Handel was at a crossroads – he had suffered a bout of ill health (possibly a stroke), his last opera had been a flop and his theatre company had been poached away by his star singer, who was now putting on rival productions in the theatre Handel had used to stage his own work. 

At a crossroads too was actress Susannah Cibber whose abusive ex-husband had mounted a court case against her which effectively trashed her reputation and left her with no hope of working on the London stage again. 

Add into the mix Charles Jenner, in mourning for his younger brother and at odds with both the political establishment and the religious movement of the day whom he held responsible for Robert’s suicide, and yet with a talent for writing great librettos. 

Then Handel got a commission from Dublin, and everything changed for all of them. 

With humour, pathos and plenty of port – plus live music from Hattie Bennett’s String Quartet*, Bill Stoddart on keyboards and three of Christina Johnston’s fabulous students performing extracts from the oratorio – this is a production not to be missed. 

And the local link? Handel loved to travel into the countryside.

I like to think he came to Suffolk for inspiration…

*Please note that the performances on Friday 27th March, Saturday 28th March & Sunday 29th March will feature recorded strings. 

Tickets £15/£13 01394 279613 or www.ticketsource.co.uk/black-white-productions