Paul Bunyan is probably the closest Britten ever came to writing a musical. Musically charming and dreamlike, this remarkable collaboration with the poet W.H. Auden recreates the great myth of the American frontier – peopled by a giant, an accountant, singing geese and lumberjacks. Until now it has been rarely performed, but with three UK productions in 6 months, the opera may finally be receiving due recognition. In August Welsh National Youth Operaperformed the work in Cardiff, with Stephen Fry as the voice of Paul Bunyan. In September British Youth Opera and Southbank Sinfoniatook the baton for a series of performances at London’s Peacock Theatre. Finally in February English Touring Opera take Paul Bunyanon a tour around the UK.