Weddings / Events

The Barrandov opera is possibly Britain's smallest and most intimate opera house, the fulfilment of an opera lover's dream inspired by the cultural tradition of Prague.

The Barrandov opera is set in glorious Suffolk countryside near Needham Market in a magnificent barn restored by Carol and John Dearlove on the 200 acre family arable farm. They had often held private opera evenings in the old barn and in the garden. These were inspired by the music they enjoyed while living and working in Prague just after the Velvet Revolution. Carol sadly died early in 2008 but was able to see the project come to fruition and flourish.

The idea for the Barrandov Opera was born out of a disastrous fire which completely destroyed the old barn in November 1998. Opera at the Dearlove's farm had usually been held in the garden and was inevitably subject to the vagaries of the weather. It seemed only logical therefore when it came to rebuilding to put the opera inside and leave the straw out in the open - perhaps the ultimate diversification in farming. The building itself was reconstructed by a team of young local craftsmen led by master carpenter Rick Lewis using traditional methods. Some seventy tons of oak were used for the frame. There is a barn owl nesting box.