Electric

Libretto by Sam Norman, Music by Aaron Nihal King

Commissioned by Birmingham Opera Company

In 2024, the Electric Cinema – the oldest cinema in the country – closed its doors, perhaps forever. It was 114 years old.

The owners propose to demolish the building and convert it into a 50-storey block of flats. But there’s a movement to overturn the proposals and preserve Birmingham’s cultural heritage. This opera was written as part of that movement, and as a love letter to a much-loved institution.

In writing the libretto, I had the chance to interview a former owner and many former patrons, who gave me a kaleidoscope of memories: not just the films but the singalongs, marathons, sofas, carrot cake, at least one wedding, at least one death.

You can join the “Save the Electric” movement here.

Electric was originally commissioned by Birmingham Opera Company under the Brum Commissions programme, and received its premiere as part of the RE-WIRE Festival in 2026. The director was Finn Lacey.