21:00-21:40, Thursday 2nd October 2025
The Cockpit
Music: Jeremy Limb & Melinda Hughes
Words: Melinda Hughes & Jeremy Limb (with additional lyrics by Rich Hall )
Set in 2027, during the tumultuous third year of Donald Trump’s second term, Melania Trump, accompanied by her venomous personal assistant, arrives at a school to deliver a speech for her anti-bullying ‘Be Best’ campaign.
Meanwhile, the world is in turmoil: Russian troops, having already annexed Ukraine, Hungary and Romania, are advancing westward. During the visit, news breaks that Putin’s forces are invading Slovenia, Melania’s homeland.
With the White House issuing a statement “I don’t care, America First”, Melania is ordered to leave, but she is consumed by fury. She faces a defining choice: Should she finally break her silence, stand up to her bullies and remain loyal to her husband, or do what’s right for the future of humanity?
Melania The Opera is a laugh-out-loud, farcical comic opera that blends sharp political satire with personal journeys.
Age range: All ages, but mostly adults
In a festival of new work, please note that shows may overrun.
Produced by Cheyne Productions Ltd
Venue: The Cockpit, Gateforth Street, London NW8 8EH.
On the same day:
Composer: Jeremy Limb & Melinda Hughes
Words: Melinda Hughes & Jeremy Limb (with additional lyrics by Rich Hall )
Director: Daniel Slater
Melania Trump: Melinda Hughes
Melania: Melinda Hughes
Melania’s PA: Phil Clieve
School Principal: Hannah Pedley
Bodyguard: Nathan Richards
Director: Daniel Slater
Music: Jeremy Limb & Melinda Hughes
Words: Melinda Hughes & Jeremy Limb (with additional lyrics by Rich Hall )
Melania: Melinda Hughes
Melania’s PA: Phil Clieve
School Principal: Louise Innes
Reporter: Meighread Dandeneau
Bodyguard: Nathan Richards
Director: Daniel Slater
Music Director: Guy Murgatroyd
Choreographer: Tim Claydon
Designer: Carly Brownbridge