First Scottish Shopera experience comes to Glasgow

Buchanan Galleries is opening its doors to the world of opera, hosting Scotland's first-ever 'shopera' – a student-created bold and original production staged in a shopping centre.

Article Source: Buchanan Galleries
Last Updated: 17 June 2025 13:40

Composer and Royal Conservatoire of Scotland student, Rachel Sullivan, is introducing visitors at Buchanan Galleries and Glaswegians alike to the world of opera through an original, innovative, and contemporary performance that was written, produced, and directed by Sullivan.

Bertha is a 60-minute, two-act reimagining of misunderstood character, Bertha Mason - ‘the mad woman in the attic - from the classic novel Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë. Set in 1808, the opera explores Bertha’s emotional turmoil and cognitive deterioration during a time when women with mental ill health or disabilities were often dismissed and mistreated. Through dramatic interactions and fragmented memories, Bertha’s story unfolds: one of survival, self-discovery, and the power of female connection.

The performance offers a powerful perspective on the original novel, with a haunting original score, chamber orchestra of twelve musicians, and a cast of four singers set against a backdrop of immersive staging.

Those who are new to opera, or seasoned theatregoers are invited to a series of scheduled showings of Bertha at Buchanan Galleries on Friday 20th, Saturday 21st, and Sunday 22nd June, where they can expect an evening of suspense and intrigue in an unexpected, yet accessible setting.

The ‘shopera’ is located on the Buchanan Street entrance of Buchanan Galleries, opposite Rolex. All proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to Clyde Climate Forest charity, an organisation working towards planting 18 million trees around Glasgow over the next ten years.

Rachel Sullivan said: “Having the opportunity to produce and direct this work has been a real privilege and joy. It's my aim for Bertha to reach those who may never have experienced a production in a traditional opera venue, and change the common perception that opera is for the select few. Buchanan Galleries has provided the perfect alternative venue, in Glasgow's most central shopping centre, for which I am particularly grateful.

“I’m looking forward to welcoming the centre’s guests to come and experience Bertha, whether they are seasoned fans, or being introduced to the art for the first time.”

Kathy Murdoch, Centre Director at Buchanan Galleries, said: “We’re thrilled to be hosting Scotland’s first ever ‘shopera’ right here at Buchanan Galleries. This is such a creative and original way to bring the arts to the high street and make opera more accessible to new audiences.

“Rachel and the team have created something really special with Bertha, and we’re proud to support local talent and community-focused performances like this. We hope our guests enjoy the opportunity to experience opera in a whole new way right in the heart of the city.”

Bertha is Sullivan’s first opera and largest-scale work to date and has been financially supported by a finalist’s prize from the Write Start Competition, facilitated by RCS Alumnus Sam Heughan. The costumes, set design, and props have been sustainably sourced or loaned by suppliers from in and around Glasgow.

Rachel added: “I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank the incredibly talented cast, orchestra, and to my co-director, Hannah Siddiqui, without whom the production would not have been possible, and the outstanding musical director, Chloe Lu Ye. To have been blessed with such a dedicated and enthusiastic cast and crew is an experience is something I will never forget.”

Tickets for Bertha are on sale now and can be purchased via Eventbrite for the suggested donation of £5. Funds generated through ticket sales will support Clyde Climate Forest charity, with additional collection buckets available during the performances.

For more information about Buchanan Galleries, visit www.buchanangalleries.co.uk. For more information about Bertha, visit www.instagram.com/bertha_shopera/

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Glasgow News

The Pavilion Theatre, Glasgow unveils exciting new programme for 2026

The Pavilion Theatre Glasgow is set to light up 2026 with a thrilling year of music, theatre and comedy.

Wingstop UKI opens its doors at Silverburn

Leading retail and leisure destination, Silverburn, has turned up the heat on its dining line-up with the official opening of Wingstop UKI, bringing even more flavour and choice to guests.

90s pop icon joins the cast of Mean Girls

Faye Tozer to star alongside Kiara Dario as Gretchen Wieners in the award-winning musical Mean Girls, coming to the King's Theatre in Glasgow from Monday 29th June!

DF Concerts & Events launches The DF Academy

DF Concerts launches the DF Academy to strengthen pathways between education and Scotland's live music & events industry.

Dr Gillian Shirreffs launches the 12 Days of Christmas with new book Elephant

Dr Gillian Shirreffs launches the 12 Days of Christmas with Beatson Cancer Charity this month.

Popular lifestyle brand Oliver Bonas opens at Silverburn

Silverburn, Scotland's leading retail and leisure destination, has welcomed much-loved independent fashion, jewellery and homewares retailer Oliver Bonas.

Win your way to the IRN BRU Carnival

The Duck Hunt is back bigger and better with over 150 ducks hidden across Glasgow and beyond!

New film on resistance to Home Office raid on Kenmure Street to be released next year

Scottish distributor Conic has acquired all UK and Ireland rights for Everybody to Kenmure Street, a new documentary about Glasgow's community resistance to a Home Office raid in 2021.

Sean Batty joins Glasgow businesses to champion choose local at Christmas cry

STV presenter visits Glasgow West End's Business Improvement District to highlight the vital role that local people can play in the the final festive push.

Everyman presents Nationwide preview screenings of Sentimental Value

See the highly anticipated new comedy drama before anyone else, with preview screenings at Everyman cinemas nationwide.

Edinburgh International Book Festival and Celtic Connections unveil major new partnership

Edinburgh International Book Festival and Celtic Connections unveil major new partnership bringing together Scotland's most celebrated writers and musicians!

Beatson Cancer Charity announces amazing total for Glasgow Santa Dash 2025

Beatson Cancer Charity is thrilled to announce that the Glasgow Santa Dash 2025 has raised more than £100,000 to support people affected by cancer across the west of Scotland.

University of Glasgow launches first Virtual Reality kiosk for Museums in the Metaverse

Imagine visiting a museum and being transported inside the glass cases, to virtually examine artefacts at astonishing proximity and from every possible angle. This is now reality.

Jock and the Beanstalk panto stars support Social Bite Festival of Kindness

Pavilion Panto stars headed to Social Bite's Festival of Kindness on Vinicombe Street to encourage Glaswegians to donate gifts and funds to support people experiencing homelessness this winter.

DF Concerts & Events celebrates a year of sustainable and inclusive events

DF Concerts & Events is celebrating the success of their sustainability initiatives delivered across their major summer events in 2025.

Full casting announced for Scottish premiere of Single White Female at the Theatre Royal Glasgow

Full casting has been announced as rehearsals begin for the Scottish premiere of Single White Female coming to the Theatre Royal Glasgow in June!

Celebrate the New Year with a sparkling experience at The Ivy Glasgow

With toasts to celebrate the new year breaking around the world, the experience is not to be missed!

A sweet partnership bringing locally produced, sustainable ice cream to the SEC in time for a packed winter events season

Equi’s Ice Cream, the award-winning Scottish, family-run ice cream maker, is announcing a major new partnership as the official ice cream supplier of the Scottish Event Campus (SEC) in Glasgow.

Teenage Cancer Trust units in Glasgow receive festive surprise from Aldi

Young people receiving cancer treatment in Glasgow have been treated to a surprise delivery of festive goodies from Aldi, helping them celebrate the holiday season away from home.

Step into Christmas at Dalmeny Park with special festive menus and afternoon teas this December

Dalmeny Park is pulling out all the stops to make this festive season truly magical, unveiling its 2025 festive dining menus and afternoon teas available until 23rd December.

Big Fat Bingo of The Year shows announced

Christmas is coming in fast, and hot on its heels is the surreal, off-kilter period between Xmas and NYE... Bongo's Bingo have got just the tonic to help see out the final days of 2025!

Scottish jazz talent in tune as award winners unveiled

The Scottish Jazz Awards 2025 celebrated the cream of the crop in the jazz scene on Sunday night, honouring outstanding artists and contributors at a memorable ceremony in Glasgow.

Anna Campbell Jones launches small batch Scottish botanical rum distilled in Glasgow

Interior designer, BBC Scotland's Home of the Year judge and entrepreneur Anna Campbell-Jones has released her first spirit.

Best burger in Scotland is now available in Glasgow for Christmas

Glasgow's Winter Wonderland gives visitors a taste of the festive season with foodie highlights including Scotland's best burger!

Award winning Rickshaw & Co launches its festive menu in Glasgow

Rickshaw & Co has launched its festive menu, bringing bold Indian and Bangladeshi flavours to December in Partick.

From plate to print: Kirsty Wark celebrates artistic legacy of great aunt

Glasgow Print Studio is thrilled to announce the release of a new limited-edition print by journalist, TV presenter and writer Kirsty Wark as part of their Call & Response series.

The festive knockout you can not miss at Oran Mor!

This December, Glasgow's Oran Mor premieres Morag Fullarton's new theatre production, 'It's a Wonderful Life... Mostly'.

10p pizzas from Civerinos as Deliveroo marks 10th Scottish anniversary

Raise a dram to a decade of Deliveroo: Civerinos and Deliveroo launch 10p pizzas to celebrate 10 years of feeding the people of Scotland.

Glasgow Fort serves up a slice of Home Alone magic with year long cheese pizza competition

Glasgow Fort has teamed up with Leopardo Pizza to launch a Home Alone-inspired competition, giving shoppers the chance to win a year's supply of Kevin McCallister’s favourite cheese pizza.

Lidl launching free gift wrapping stations across the UK

Lidl has unveiled its first-ever ‘Lidl Wrapped’ - a celebration of some of the nation's favourite buys, brought to life as limited-edition Christmas wrapping paper

Popular Listings

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum King's Theatre Glasgow King Tut's Wah Wah Hut O2 Academy Glasgow SEC Armadillo Theatre Royal Glasgow The Pavilion Theatre Glasgow The Glasgow Barrowland Ballroom The Glasgow Royal Concert Hall The OVO Hydro

First Scottish Shopera experience comes to Glasgow

Buchanan Galleries is opening its doors to the world of opera, hosting Scotland's first-ever 'shopera' – a student-created bold and original production staged in a shopping centre.

Sponsored Links

Latest Glasgow News

Sponsored Links

Sponsored Links

Popular Events

Popular Listings