“Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg” is undeniably one of the biggest operas in the canon and any undertaking is an ambitious proposition that only the largest of opera companies undertake.

But Fulham Opera is stepping up to the challenge and preparing to showcase four performances of Wagner’s comic gem on August 9, 11, 14, and 17 at the Greenwood Theatre in London.

The opera will feature double-casting of many of the major roles. Keel Watson and Steven Fredricks will alternate Hans Sachs while Ronald Samm and Florian Thomas will both take on Walther. Catharine Woodward and Philippa Boyle will portray Eva.

The work will be performed in a new production by Paul Higgins and is slated to be the first production of the opera by the company and its sixth Wagner opera to date. Moreover, this performance will mark the first time that Fulham Opera appears in central London and in a full-sized theater.

“’Die Meistersinger’ is absolutely huge, and more challenging than our two last big productions – The Ring and ‘Don Carlo’ – put together,” said Fulham Opera’s Artistic Director and conductor Ben Woodward in a press release. “I am thrilled to have singers on board that I have been looking forward to working with on this repertoire for some time.  It might be the biggest, maddest project that a fringe opera company has ever undertaken, but we do feel ready for this to be our next step.”