
Blue Coat was delighted to host a Liverpool Classical Association public lecture in the LRC on Thursday 15 January, welcoming students, staff and around 60 members of the wider community for an enriching evening of Classical scholarship. The event formed part of the Association’s annual programme, which aims to promote interest and engagement in the Classical world.
The lecture, ‘It’s an Old Song: Greek Myth and the Modern Musical’ , was delivered by Professor Emma Stafford, Professor of Greek Culture at the University of Leeds. Professor Stafford offered a lively and entertaining exploration of how Greek and Roman myths continue to inspire opera and modern musical theatre, demonstrating the enduring relevance of Classical stories in contemporary culture. Particularly fitting given this year’s school production of Hadestown, the talk examined the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice, drawing links between ancient accounts by Ovid and Virgil and their modern musical retelling. Several cast members attended and found their understanding of the show significantly enriched. The lecture also explored a wide range of works, f rom Renaissance opera to modern musicals such as Disney’s Hercules. The event provided valuable insight into how Classics connects with literature, drama, music, and popular culture, while also offering a taste of academic-style learning similar to that experienced at university. Hosting events such as this reflects Blue Coat’s strong commitment to academic enrichment beyond the classroom, fostering curiosity, cultural awareness, and a lifelong appreciation of Classical studies.