Hansel and Gretel in Melbourne: A fairy-tale opera too sweet to resist

Nibble, nibble, munch; a gingerbread house with plenty of crunch. Victorian Opera is bringing Hansel and Gretel by German composer Engelbert Humperdinck to Melbourne, for four unforgettable performances.

Simon Bruckard, Richard Mills, Cleo Lee-McGowan, Shakira Dugan & Christian Froelicher in Melbourne Source: Charlie Kinross

The 55-minute opera features the beautiful story of two siblings getting lost in a German forest. They have to find their way home after tricking the wicked Witch.

Lustige Runde: Richard Mills, Simon Bruckard & Christian Froelicher Source: Charlie Kinross

SBS reporter Christian Froelicher witnessed a rehearsal and spoke to two German-speaking members of the illustrious cast, Simon Bruckard (Conductor) and Richard Mills (Artistic Director).

Brüderchen, komm tanz mit mir: Cleo Lee-McGowan (Gretel) & Shakira Dugan (Hansel) Source: Charlie Kinross

The enchanting opera is sung in German and will be performed with the Victorian Opera Chamber Orchestra on June 9 (three performances) and June 12 (Relaxed Performance) at the Playhouse.