LOOSE CHIPPINGS: Victoria Wood on Love, Life and Loss – Amy J Payne voice & Oliver Rundell piano

‘Because life’s not fair is it? Some of us drink champagne in the fast lane, and some of us eat our sandwiches by the loose chippings on A597.’

Our 2026 Festival commission invites you to spend an hour with singer and actor Amy J Payne and MD Oliver Rundell (Opera North, Scottish Opera) as they explore Victoria Wood’s celebrated and unique take on life’s ups and downs through her songs and monologues.

Expect plenty of laughter, maybe the odd tear, and Barry’s baggy Y-Fronts…

Amy J Payne is a mezzo-soprano, actor, and stage director based in Leeds, UK. Amy trained at Guildhall School of Music & Drama where she was awarded the English Song Prize. Described by Bachtrack in 2023 as “one of the best comprimarios on the circuit”, Amy has appeared as a guest artist with many of the UK’s leading opera companies. Away from mainstage opera, she made her recital debut this year for Opera North in their Kirklees Concert Season, and continues to tour her co-curated cabaret Frau, that’s what I call music! nationally (including to Lichfield Festival 2025).

Event Sponsor: A Lichfeldian

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